India's first cable stayed bridge; loaded train trial on Anji Khad bridge successful

NEW DELHI: Loaded train test at Anji Khad cable stayed bridge in Jammu and Kashmir has become successful. The bridge is built on cables connecting two mountains. The bridge connects Srinagar with Udhampur and Baramulla. The service is expected to start in April 2025.

The first trial was held last August. The trial with a load carrying diesel train was done on Saturday. The 15-day inspection by the Railway Safety Commission will begin this week. Meanwhile, the electric engine will also be tested. The decision on whether to inaugurate the train service will be made based on the report of the Safety Commission.

Anji Khad is the first cable railway bridge in India. The Udhampur - Srinagar - Baramulla Rail Link Project is 272 km long. The cable bridge is on the Reasi -Katra section.

Anji Khad wonder

• Construction started in 2017. Length 473.25 meters, height 193 meters
• Six years, 400 employees
• The construction cost of 435 crores
• 96 cables are connected to a single pylon
• The pylon is 331 meters above the riverbed, 20 meters in circumference and 40-meters-deep hybrid foundation beam.
• 295 to 82-meter-long cables are connected to the pylon
• Ability to withstand winds with a speed of 213 km and earthquakes
• Trains can run at a speed of up to 100 km
• Constructed using the technology of the Italian Railways

Anji Khad cable stayed bridge is a milestone in the history of Indian construction. Tourism will also benefit.

-Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways