Anji Khad Bridge

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Anji Khad Bridge
ANJI KHAD BRIDGE PHOTO BY -ATANU.jpg
Anji Khad Bridge under construction as of 2022
Coordinates 33°4′52″N74°54′46″E / 33.08111°N 74.91278°E / 33.08111; 74.91278
Carries Indian Railways
CrossesAnji River, tributary of Chenab River between Katra and Reasi
Characteristics
DesignCable-stayed
MaterialSteel
Total length473.25 m (1,552.7 ft) [1]
Height(river bed to formation) 196 m (643 ft) [1]
Longest span290 m (950 ft)
No. of spans3
History
Designer Hindustan Construction Company
Location
Anji Khad Bridge

The Anji Khad bridge is an important part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla-Rail-Link (USBRL), a major infrastructure project in the Jammu Division of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Once completed, it will strengthen regional connectivity and foster stronger ties between the mountainous region and the rest of the country. This cable-stayed bridge stands out as an engineering marvel due to its impressive height, the steepness of the gorge it spans, and its striking asymmetrical design, featuring cables anchored to a single massive pylon. [2]

Contents

The Anji Khad Bridge, located south of the Chenab Bridge near Reasi, spans the deep chasm of the Anji River. It is India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, constructed by the Hindustan Construction Company. Standing as the second-highest railway bridge in India, it follows the Chenab Bridge at Kauri, the world’s highest railway bridge at 359 m (1,178 ft) above the riverbed, surpassing the Anji Khad Bridge by 28 m (92 ft) and standing 35 m (115 ft) taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. [3]

History

Arch Bridge Design

The Anji Khad Bridge was initially proposed as an arch bridge. It was designed as a long steel arch span bridge, with a total length of 473 m (1,552 ft), a main arch span of 265 m (869 ft), and a deck height of 189 m (620 ft). The quality aspects, construction standards, indigenous materials, and painting scheme were intended to be similar to those of the Chenab Bridge. However, a committee headed by a former Railway Board chairman, later recommended against the arch bridge design. The committee cited the unsuitable location, particularly the unstable geology of the Himalayan mountains and the steep sides of the gorge, which made an arch bridge impractical. [4]

Cable-Stayed Bridge Design

In October 2016, Indian Railways decided to proceed with a cable-stayed bridge at Anji Khad [5] , featuring a striking asymmetrical design supported by 96 cables anchored to a single pylon on the Reasi side, which rises 193 m (633 ft) meters from its foundation. [6] The initial cost of the project was estimated at ₹458 crore (US$52 million). [7]

Construction Site of Anji Khad Bridge - See construction on two hills on extreme left Reasi Skyline in Summer.jpg
Construction Site of Anji Khad Bridge - See construction on two hills on extreme left

Structure

The Anji Khad Bridge showcases modern engineering and represents a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and international collaboration, making it one of the most advanced and impressive infrastructure projects in the region. Stretching 725.5 m (2,380 ft) meters in length, it connects the towns of Katra and Reasi, standing 331 m (1,086 ft) meters above the riverbed below. One of the most striking features of the bridge is its main pylon, which towers 193 m (633 ft) from its foundation, making it one of the tallest structures of its kind. The bridge's design is asymmetrical, meaning the two sides are not identical, which contributes to its unique and striking appearance. It is held up by 96 cables of varying lengths, ranging from 82 m (269 ft) to 295 m (968 ft), each playing a crucial role in keeping the bridge stable despite the difficult geological and seismic conditions in the region. [8] [9]

The Anji Khad Bridge is divided into four major sections. One of the largest sections is a 473.25 m (1,552.7 ft) long cable-stayed span that crosses a deep valley, requiring precise engineering to ensure its stability over such a large distance. On the Reasi side of the bridge, there is a 120-meter-long ancillary viaduct, which is a supporting structure that helps connect the bridge to the surrounding landscape. The bridge has been designed to carry a railway line, with additional features including a 3.75 m (12.3 ft) wide service road and footpaths that are 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) wide on both sides of the bridge. These features make the bridge more functional, not just for trains but also for pedestrians and vehicles. Additionally, the bridge is built to withstand extreme weather conditions, including wind speeds of up to 213 km/h (132 mph). [8] [9]

The bridge has been designed to handle train speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph), which requires very precise construction methods and the use of advanced technology. For example, the project used the DOKA jump form shuttering system, a modern method of concrete forming, and a 40-tonne tower crane, which was imported from Spain specifically for this project. These innovations played an important role in making the construction process more efficient and safer, reducing the overall construction time by around 30%. [9]

To ensure the safety and longevity of the bridge, an integrated monitoring system has been installed. This system includes a variety of sensors that continuously monitor the structural health of the bridge throughout its service life. The bridge’s design combines Indian engineering standards with European ones, which reflects the best practices from both regions. Additionally, the design and construction of the bridge underwent rigorous proof-checking by international engineering firms like COWI (from the UK) and ITALFERR (from Italy), ensuring that the bridge meets global standards for safety, reliability, and performance. [9]

Timeline

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Kashmir link project to have first cable-stayed rail bridge". 11 October 2016. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
  2. ↑ Artymiuk, Simon (19 May 2023). "Milestone reached in construction of India's Anji Khad Bridge". International Railway Journal. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  3. ↑ "Railways completes trial run on India's first cable-stayed bridge in J-K". Business Standard. Press Trust of India. 25 December 2024. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  4. ↑ Raj, Ashutosh (29 April 2023). "Anji Khad Bridge: Check construction progress, initial design and other details of the bridge". News9live. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  5. ↑ "India's first mega cable-stayed railway bridge to link Katra and Banihal | Greater Kashmir".
  6. ↑ "Anji Khad bridge: Construction work underway for India's first cable-stayed bridge, See latest pictures". Financial Express.
  7. ↑ "Kashmir link project to have first cable-stayed rail bridge". 11 October 2016.
  8. 1 2 Geetanath, V. (26 December 2024). "Tale of tunnels and bridges: Railway's mammoth Himalayan project to link J&K with the rest of India". The Hindu. Retrieved 6 March 2025.
  9. 1 2 3 4 "Anji Khad Bridge: Engineering marvel set to revolutionize rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir". ddnews.gov.in. Retrieved 6 March 2025.
  10. ↑ "HCC Bags Rs 369-cr Project From IRCON International In J–K". Moneycontrol.
  11. ↑ Pylon completed. YouTube .
  12. ↑ "India's first cable stayed rail bridge nearing completion in Jammu and Kashmir after 20 year delay". The Hindu .
  13. ↑ Jain, Smriti (14 December 2023). "Indian Railways' USBRL project in J&K with Chenab bridge, Anji Khad bridge to open soon". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
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