J&K To Get 1st Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Rail Bridge is 473.25-metre-long with enhanced technology

New Delhi: India is beautifying the heaven of the country Jammu & Kashmir, as the country is all set to get its first cable-stayed rail bridge in the Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir, the completion of which is expected by December this year.

According to the officials, an engineering marvel, the under-construction Anji Khad Bridge will connect Katra and Reasi in the state. Located in the Reasi district above the Anji river, the bridge is a part of the challenging Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, where the terrain passes through the young Himalayas at high altitudes.

While sharing the pleasure of announcing the development, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took to social media(Twitter handle) to share the latest photos of the bridge. "A future-ready Nation's first cable-stayed rail bridge, Anji Khad bridge connecting #Kashmir," the post read.

Taking notes from the specifications of the rail bridge, the 473.25-metre-long bridge is being constructed 331 metres above the river bed. The rail bridge is designed to handle heavy storms, the bridge will be supported by 96 cables.

The extremely complex geology of the region makes it impossible to construct an arch bridge similar to the one being built across the Chenab River. There will only be a single pylon built on a vertical slope at the Anji Khad Bridge.

Moreover, unique and advanced techniques and equipment, including pump concreting system arrangement, have been used in the construction of the bridge.

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project is being developed by the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL).