Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge in India - Significance, Challenges & Location

Where is India's First Cable-Stayed Railway Bridge Located?

Image source: www.hindustantimes.com

India's inaugural cable-stayed railway bridge, named Anji Khad, is situated in the picturesque state of Jammu and Kashmir and extends across the mighty Chenab River.

• This bridge forms a crucial part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and foster development in the region.

Why is India's First Rail Bridge Important?

The Anji Khad bridge holds immense significance for several reasons.

• To begin with, it is one of the tallest railway bridges in the world, towering at a height of 359 meters above the riverbed. It has been engineered to withstand earthquakes and high-speed winds.
• Next, the cable-stayed design is a novelty for Indian Railways and marks a significant achievement in engineering.
• The bridge is set to reduce the travel duration between Jammu and Srinagar, two prominent cities in the region, by a substantial margin.
• Once the USBRL project, which includes numerous tunnels and bridges, is completed, it is expected to enhance connectivity, promote tourism, and stimulate economic growth in the area.

Challenges Encountered:

• High-Velocity Winds
  • The bridge site is prone to gusty winds due to its proximity to mountain peaks, posing a risk to construction work when wind speeds exceed 45 kmph.
  • While the bridge can withstand winds of up to 216 kmph, construction work must be halted when wind speeds cross 45 kmph to prevent tower cranes from swaying. A running train on the bridge can withstand wind speeds of up to 90 kmph.
• Rugged Terrain
  • The execution of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project is more challenging than other railway projects due to persistent climatic issues and the treacherous nature of the difficult Himalayan terrain.
  • Construction workers face multiple dangers, including natural methane gas leaks, and a worker tragically lost his life two months ago after sustaining multiple injuries while conducting a slope stability survey on site.
• Lack of Approach Roads
  • When the project was first conceptualized in 2002, it was discovered during the stretch survey that no approach roads existed for starting the railway tunnel construction.
  • Although about 205 km of approach roads were constructed between 2008 and 2016, the proposed bridge’s construction was stalled by legal disputes over its alignment.
• Political and Environmental Challenges
  • The construction site of the railway bridge is situated 92 km away from the border area of Suchetgarh, making it a politically sensitive project.
  • The project’s progress was hampered by various factors, including the Pulwama attack and the outbreak of COVID-19.
  • During the construction, the crew also encountered natural methane gas leaks, resulting in temporary work cessation to evaluate health risks to neighbouring villages.
  • A sand mining ban in the region for two years made it difficult to source raw materials, and weather challenges made it impossible to work on-site for up to three months during winters.

Conclusion:

• Despite the numerous challenges, the cable-stayed rail bridge is finally nearing completion, marking a significant milestone in the development of India’s railway infrastructure.
• The completion of the project will drastically cut down the travel time between Jammu and Baramulla via Srinagar, opening up new avenues for economic growth in the region.
• The success of this project emphasizes the need for continued investment in India’s railway infrastructure to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic development.