In News:

The Indian Railways has unveiled a monumental engineering achievement with the completion of the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge.

Overview:

• The Anji Khad Bridge is India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.
• It is a key part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project aimed at enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India.
• The bridge crosses the Anji River, a tributary of the Chenab River, and is expected to transform regional transport, boost tourism, and promote economic growth.

Key Features:

• Dimensions:
  • Total length: 725.5 meters.
  • Main Pylon Height: 193 meters from the foundation, standing 331 meters above the riverbed.
  • The bridge is designed for train speeds of up to 100 km/h and can withstand wind speeds of up to 213 km/h.
• Structure and Design:
  • Asymmetrical cable-stayed design supported by 96 cables with varying lengths (82 to 295 meters).
  • The structure includes:
    • A 120-meter approach viaduct on the Reasi side.
    • A 38-meter approach bridge on the Katra side.
    • A 473.25-meter cable-stayed portion crossing the valley.
    • A 94.25-meter central embankment linking the main bridge to the approach viaduct.
• Construction Techniques:
  • Used advanced construction techniques such as DOKA Jump Form Shuttering, Pump Concreting, and Tower Crane Technique to enhance safety and reduce construction time by 30%.
  • A 40-ton tower crane imported from Spain was employed for operations at great heights.
  • The project utilized site-specific investigations by IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi due to the region’s complex geological and seismic conditions.
• Engineering Challenges:
  • The bridge had to be constructed in the difficult Himalayan terrain, with fragile geological features such as faults and thrusts.
  • Seismic activity in the region required additional precautions in the design and construction process.
• Safety and Monitoring:
  • Equipped with an integrated monitoring system that includes multiple sensors to ensure the structural health of the bridge during operation.

Importance and Impact:

• Connectivity: The bridge will significantly improve connectivity between Katra and Reasi, ensuring faster rail travel and linking the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India.
• Tourism and Economic Growth: Expected to boost tourism and economic development by improving access to the region, attracting visitors, and facilitating smoother transportation of goods and services.
• Sustainability: The bridge's design ensures it remains safe under extreme weather conditions, offering long-term reliability for the Indian Railways network.

Collaboration and International Expertise:

• The design and supervision were handled by ITALFERR (Italy), with proof-checking conducted by COWI (UK).
• The project combines Indian engineering codes with Eurocodes, adhering to international standards for structural integrity.