Indian Railways is actively and energetically pushing forward with its ongoing projects in the picturesque region of Jammu and Kashmir, with the primary goal of expanding and improving connectivity within the Union Territory. In this context, the esteemed national railway organization has provided a comprehensive update on the Anji Khad bridge, affirming that the commencement of track laying on the bridge is on the horizon, scheduled for the upcoming month. This timeline hinges on the successful completion of meticulous fine-tuning and preparatory works.
High-Level Inspection of Railway Endeavors in Jammu and Kashmir:
In the early days of this month, Shobhan Chaudhuri, the diligent and experienced General Manager of Northern Railway, took it upon himself to conduct a thorough, in-depth inspection of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla (USBRL) project and various other ongoing railway initiatives in the Union Territory. His inspection team comprised several key officials and experts, including Sandeep Gupta, CAO/USBRL, Anil Kumar Khandelwal, PED/Gati Shakti/Rly Bd, Sanjay Gupta, CMD/KRCL, RK Hegde, Director/KRCL, Manoj Akhouri, PCOM/NR, along with a contingent of other seasoned officers from the USBRL Project and Firozpur Division.
Latest Update on the Anji Khad Bridge:
The Anji Khad bridge, a groundbreaking and monumental project, distinguishes itself as India’s very first cable-stayed rail bridge. Its pivotal role lies in seamlessly connecting the picturesque valley to various other regions of the country via an extensive rail network. In recent days, significant construction milestones have been achieved on this remarkable bridge. These include the successful completion of the Ancillary Viaduct, the Central Embankment, and the highly intricate and precise final stressing of the substantial cables that play a fundamental role in the bridge’s structural integrity. Notably, the total length of cable strands utilized in the construction of this bridge extends to an impressive 653 kilometers, underscoring the engineering feat it represents. It’s essential to emphasize that this bridge is an integral component of the ambitious and transformative Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla (USBRL) railway project, which promises to bring about a transportation revolution in Jammu and Kashmir.
Chenab Bridge:
During the comprehensive inspection, the General Manager also ventured to assess the progress of the awe-inspiring Chenab bridge. His journey took him from the Bakkal end to the Kouri end of the bridge, allowing him to witness firsthand the marvel of engineering that is the world’s highest railway bridge. This towering feat of engineering spans the mighty Chenab River at an astounding height of 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the riverbed. To put this into perspective, it’s worth noting that this bridge stands a remarkable 35 meters taller than the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris. This astounding bridge is engineered to withstand the most formidable natural forces, with an impressive capacity to endure winds with speeds of up to 260 kilometers per hour. Furthermore, it boasts a remarkable projected lifespan of 120 years, ensuring its continued service for generations to come.