Udaipur, December 26,2024 - Indian Railways conducted a trial run of an electric engine on the Anji Khad Bridge on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. The bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, is located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Train Service to Begin Soon

The train service on the bridge is expected to start in January 2025. The ambitious project is nearing completion, with 255 kilometers of the 272-kilometer route already operational. The remaining section, between Katra and Reasi, is likely to be completed by December 2024.

Second-Highest Railway Bridge in India

The Anji Khad Bridge is the second-highest railway bridge in India, standing at 331 meters above the riverbed. It is only surpassed by the iconic arch bridge over the Chenab River in Kauri, which is 359 meters tall, 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower.

Union Minister Shares Updates

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video of the trial run on the social media platform X. Earlier, he also posted a video of a successful trial run of a fully loaded tower wagon on the bridge.

Part of the USBRL Project

The Anji Khad Bridge is a key part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project. This project aims to provide seamless rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.

Features of the Bridge

The bridge features a single pylon that is 331 meters tall. It is supported by 48 cables and spans a total length of 473.25 meters. The structure includes a 120-meter-long viaduct and a 94.25-meter central embankment. Construction of the pylon began in 2017. The bridge was completed last month, marking a major achievement for Indian Railways and the USBRL project.

Source: Media Reports