The Indian Railways has completed the Anji Rail Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, in Jammu and Kashmir. This engineering marvel is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project, designed to improve connectivity in the region.
Located in the Reasi district, the bridge connects Katra and Reasi over challenging Himalayan terrain. It spans 725.5 meters and stands 331 meters above the riverbed, supported by a single tall pylon and 96 cables. The bridge includes a railway line, a service road, and footpaths.
Chief Administrative Officer Sandeep Gupta explained that the bridge is divided into sections, including approach viaducts on both ends and a main cable-stayed section crossing a deep valley. Advanced construction techniques helped speed up the building process.
Italian company ITALFERR designed the bridge, with UK-based COWI checking the plans. The bridge can handle strong winds and supports train speeds of up to 100 km/h. Sensors monitor its structural health to ensure safety.
The Anji Rail Bridge will soon open for train services between Katra and Srinagar after safety inspections. This new link is expected to boost tourism and economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir, showcasing India’s engineering skills in tough conditions.
