Anji Khad Bridge

The Anji Khad bridge is an important part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla-Rail-Link (USBRL), a major infrastructure project in the Jammu Division of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Once completed, it will strengthen regional connectivity and foster stronger ties between the mountainous region and the rest of the country. This cable-stayed bridge stands out as an engineering marvel due to its impressive height, the steepness of the gorge it spans, and its striking asymmetrical design, featuring cables anchored to a single massive pylon.
The Anji Khad Bridge, located south of the Chenab Bridge near Reasi, spans the deep chasm of the Anji River. It is India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, constructed by the Hindustan Construction Company. Standing as the second-highest railway bridge in India, it follows the Chenab Bridge at Kauri, the world’s highest railway bridge at 359 m (1,178 ft) above the riverbed, surpassing the Anji Khad Bridge by 28 m (92 ft) and standing 35 m (115 ft) taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate Vande Bharat train service between Katra - Srinagar on 19th April 2025 which will pass over Chenab Bridge and Anji Khad Bridge.
The Anji Khad Bridge was initially proposed as an arch bridge. It was designed as a long steel arch span bridge, with a total length of 473 m (1,552 ft), a main arch span of 265 m (869 ft), and a deck height of 189 m (620 ft). The quality aspects, construction standards, indigenous materials, and painting scheme were intended to be similar to those of the Chenab Bridge. However, a committee headed by a former Railway Board chairman, later recommended against the arch bridge design. The committee cited the unsuitable location, particularly the unstable geology of the Himalayan mountains and the steep sides of the gorge, which made an arch bridge impractical.
In October 2016, Indian Railways decided to proceed with a cable-stayed bridge at Anji Khad, featuring a striking asymmetrical design supported by 96 cables anchored to a single pylon on the Reasi side, which rises 193 m (633 ft) meters from its foundation. The initial cost of the project was estimated at ₹458 crore (US$53 million).
The Anji Khad Bridge showcases modern engineering and represents a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and international collaboration, making it one of the most advanced and impressive infrastructure projects in the region. Stretching 725.5 m (2,380 ft) meters in length, it connects the towns of Katra and Reasi, standing 331 m (1,086 ft) meters above the riverbed below. One of the most striking features of the bridge is its main pylon, which towers 193 m (633 ft) from its foundation, making it one of the tallest structures of its kind. The bridge's design is asymmetrical, meaning the two sides are not identical, which contributes to its unique and striking appearance. It is held up by 96 cables of varying lengths, ranging from 82 m (269 ft) to 295 m (968 ft), each playing a crucial role in keeping the bridge stable despite the difficult geological and seismic conditions in the region.
The Anji Khad Bridge is divided into four major sections. One of the largest sections is a 473.25 m (1,552.7 ft) long cable-stayed span that crosses a deep valley, requiring precise engineering to ensure its stability over such a large distance. On the Reasi side of the bridge, there is a 120-meter-long ancillary viaduct, which is a supporting structure that helps connect the bridge to the surrounding landscape. The bridge has been designed to carry a railway line, with additional features including a 3.75 m (12.3 ft) wide service road and footpaths that are 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) wide on both sides of the bridge. These features make the bridge more functional, not just for trains but also for pedestrians and vehicles. Additionally, the bridge is built to withstand extreme weather conditions, including wind speeds of up to 213 km/h (132 mph).
The bridge has been designed to handle train speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph), which requires very precise construction methods and the use of advanced technology. For example, the project used the DOKA jump form shuttering system, a modern method of concrete forming, and a 40-tonne tower crane, which was imported from Spain specifically for this project. These innovations played an important role in making the construction process more efficient and safer, reducing the overall construction time by around 30%.
To ensure the safety and longevity of the bridge, an integrated monitoring system has been installed. This system includes a variety of sensors that continuously monitor the structural health of the bridge throughout its service life. The bridge’s design combines Indian engineering standards with European ones, which reflects the best practices from both regions. Additionally, the design and construction of the bridge underwent rigorous proof-checking by international engineering firms like COWI (from the UK) and ITALFERR (from Italy), ensuring that the bridge meets global standards for safety, reliability, and performance.