Indian Railways Conducts Successful Trial Run on Anji Khad Bridge in J&K
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New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) Indian Railways has successfully conducted a trial run of a tower wagon on the Anji Khad Bridge, the nation's first cable-stayed rail bridge, located in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district.
This milestone represents a significant advancement in improving railway connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, with operations anticipated to begin in January 2025.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared footage of the trial run on the social media platform X, underscoring the development of this vital project.
According to the Ministry of Railways, "The trial run on the Anji Khad Bridge, an essential part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, has been successfully finalized."
Completed last month, the Anji Khad Bridge is an engineering marvel featuring a single pylon that towers 331 metres above the riverbed. It is supported by 48 cables across its lateral and central spans and measures a total length of 473.25 metres. The viaduct spans 120 metres, while the central embankment stretches 94.25 metres.
This bridge ranks as the second-highest railway bridge in India, following the Chenab Bridge, which holds the title of the highest in the world at an impressive 359 metres above the riverbed. Both structures are integral to the ambitious USBRL project designed to enhance connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The USBRL project covers a distance of 272 kilometres, with 255 kilometres already completed. The remaining stretch between Katra and Reasi is projected to be finished by the end of this month.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is a 272 km railway initiative connecting Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India. It is recognized as one of the most formidable railway ventures in the Indian subcontinent.
This project will shorten travel time between Srinagar and Jammu from six hours to 3.5 hours. These railway works have been executed despite facing natural challenges such as extreme temperatures, significant earthquake-prone areas, and difficult terrain.
In January 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the Vande Bharat train, providing a swift connection for passengers traveling between Kashmir and Delhi.
