PRELIMS BITS
The Anji Khad Rail Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir is India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, part of the Udampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project. It connects Katra and Reasi, enhancing connectivity and promoting economic development in the region.
Key Features:
- Length: 725.5 meters
- Main Pylon: 193 meters tall
- Deck Width: 15 meters (accommodates railway, service road, and footpaths)
Engineering Challenges:
- The region’s complex geology required detailed investigations and a hybrid foundation to ensure stability.
Construction Techniques:
- Innovative methods like DOKA Jump form shuttering reduced construction time by 30%.
- A state-of-the-art tower crane facilitated work at 193 meters.
Safety:
- Equipped with an integrated monitoring system to ensure structural integrity, designed to withstand winds of up to 213 km/h.
Impact:
- The bridge will improve transportation and access to the Kashmir Valley, supporting tourism and economic growth.
USBRL Project:
- The USBML Project, declared a national project in 2002, spans 272 km, featuring the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge. It aims to connect Kashmir to the Indian Railways network.