Jammu Kashmir: In a significant milestone for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, Indian Railways has successfully conducted a trial run of a tower wagon on the Anji Khad Bridge, Jammu and Kashmir’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. This achievement marks a crucial step towards enhancing connectivity in the region.
The Anji Khad Bridge, an engineering marvel, stands tall with a single pylon rising 331 meters above the riverbed and is supported by 48 cables on its lateral and central spans. The bridge stretches 473.25 meters in total length, featuring a 120-meter viaduct and a 94.25-meter central embankment. It is the second-highest railway bridge in India, following the Chenab Rail Bridge.
The trial run, completed on December 25, 2024, paves the way for the anticipated launch of rail services to Kashmir in January 2025. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video of the successful trial on social media, highlighting the project’s progress and its importance for the region’s connectivity.
The USBRL project, a flagship initiative by Indian Railways, aims to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, significantly boosting tourism, trade, and socio-economic development. Of the total 272-kilometer stretch, 255 kilometers have been completed, with the remaining section between Katra and Reasi expected to be finished by the end of this month.
The successful trial run on the Anji Khad Bridge is a testament to the engineering prowess and dedication of the teams involved in this challenging project. Once operational, the bridge will play a vital role in reducing travel time and enhancing the overall connectivity of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India.
