Everything You Need to Know About India’s First Rail Bridge – Anji Khad Bridge, Jammu & Kashmir

India is a land of architectural marvels. There is something peculiar in everything, whether it is historical landmarks, residences, roads and highways, or even bridges. From the Red bricks of the Red Fort to the strength of the Anji Khad bridge, the first-ever rail cable-stayed bridge in India. This bridge became one of the key transport wonders on which the government began working in 2016. 

India’s Ministry of Railways stated that the bridge would be upgraded to meet modern technology standards. The Anji Khad Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir will be India’s first rail cable-stayed bridge to link the Kashmir train with the rest of India. 

In this blog, the history of the Anji Khad bridge, Top Localities, Anji Khad bridge status, length, Route map, Speed Limit and more are mentioned in detail.  

About Anji Khad Bridge 

The Anji Khad bridge is a  rail cable-stayed under construction that connects the Katra and Reasi sections of the Jammu-Baramulla line. It is India’s first-ever rail cable-stayed bridge.

The bridge is being built at Rs 435 crore by Hindustan Construction Company (HCC). In addition, renovation began in March 2017, expected to be complete by 2023. 

Further, the Anji Khad bridge is 473.25 metres long in total. It has a solitary pylon that stands 331 metres well above the river. The pylon had to be built on a vertical slope with 40-meter-deep micro piles all over the perimeter of a 20-meter-deep. It is supported by 96 cables and is designed to withstand heavy storms with high winds. It will feature an incorporated monitoring system with various installed sensors throughout the bridge.

The proposal is among the most challenging Indian Railways has undertaken because of its topography and geographical factors. It entails constructing the world’s tallest railway bridge well over the Chenab River. The bridge is designed to permit trains to travel at speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour.

History Anji Khad Bridge 

The Anji Khad cable-stayed rail bridge is being built by IR(Indian Railways) on the USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link) project in Jammu & Kashmir. Konkan Railway Corporation Limited is responsible for building the bridge at an altitude of 331 metres just above the river. This bridge will link up the Jammu and Kashmir towns of Katra and Reasi.

Initially, In 2016, the government of India decided to build the bridge in Arch form, similar to the steel arches span, Chenab Bridge. Later, the design was changed to cable-stayed because of concerns regarding the area’s geological consistency. The proposed bridge will link up tunnels T2 (Katra side) and T3 (Reasi side). The 458-crore proposal has a range of 290 metres and a height of 196 metres. The central part of the bridge is 473.25 metres long, along with the viaduct, 120 metres long. 

Top Localities Anji Khad Bridge 

The marvellous Anji Khad Bridge is a landmark project of the Indian Railways. It is regarded as an architectural masterpiece owing to the challenges associated with its building and the new tech being used. In future, we can expect some of the mentioned notable top localities near Anji Khad bridge will increase the golden opportunities for the residents of Jammu & Kashmir. 

• Jammu
• Bajalta
• Sangar
• Manwal
• Ramnagar
• Udhampur
• Chak Rakhwal
• Katra
• Reasi
• Bakkal
• Sangaldan
• Basindadhar
• Dugga
• Sumber
• Khari
• Baramulla
• Sopore
• Hamre
• Pattan
• Mazhom
• Nadigam
• Budgam
• Srinagar
• Pampore
• Jhelum Bridge
• Kakapora
• Awantipora
• Panzgom
• Anantnag
• Sadura
• Qazigund
• Banihal

Real Estate Growth in Anji Khad Bridge

The Anji Khad bridge, a historical development in Jammu & Kashmir, will be completed soon. The Indian Railways works day and night to accomplish the nation’s 1st cable-stayed rail bridge. The Anji Khad bridge’s progress has finished almost 77 % of its work. The Anji Khad will connect Katra place in Jammu to Reasi via the Anji river.

Being an architectural marvel, Anji Khad bridge is a portion of the Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) proposal. This national rail initiative will enhance interconnection, tourism, and career opportunities in Kashmir’s valley. The Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. has been charged with carrying out a portion of this project.

Current Status

The renovation began in March 2017 and is still under construction because of lack of sand, farmer protests, and the Covid-19 pandemic are all the main factors for the proposal’s delay. But, it is expected to be complete by 2023.

However, various innovative methods and materials are employed in conjunction with cutting-edge tower cranes of 40 tonnes. It has the ability and extendable heights of up to 205 metres to facilitate building projects at heights of up to 193 metres. 

Anji Khad Bridge Route

The Anji Khad Bridge is the country’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. It is a component of the USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link) proposal. The bridge’s renovation has been split into several sections. These involve the construction of the Katra-Udhampur segment, the Qazigund-Baramulla segment, and the Qazigund-Banihal segment, among others.

Route Map 

The below-mentioned link will showcase the route map of the Anji Khad  Bridge:

Anji Khad Bridge Speed Limit

The proposed plan has been among the most difficult Indian Railways has attempted. It includes establishing the world’s tallest railway bridge, which will span the Chenab River. The bridge is created to enable trains to commute at speeds of up to 100 km/h.

Anji Khad Bridge Distance 

The Anji Khad Bridge has a mono pylon that rises 331 metres just above the river, and it is 473.25 metres long in total. Also, building a network of the access road to provide motorable access to building projects for the transportation of building materials and heavy equipment. The railways have constructed a network of over 205 km of roads leading in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as one tunnel and road overpasses. Further, the total length of the rail line will be 272 km.

Conclusion 

Anji Khad bridge, built by the Railway Ministry, introduced a completely new notion of bridge design to India. The addition of the rail cable-stayed bridge functionality will authorise more innovations to be infused into the country’s construction. The Anji Khad bridge is still under construction, but it will soon be open to all commuters, boosting attractions in that area of the country.

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