Indian Railways Completes Trial Run on Anji Khad Bridge, USBRL Project Nears Completion
Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project by successfully conducting a trial run of a tower wagon on the iconic Anji Khad Bridge. This marks a critical step toward connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India via rail, with full services expected to begin in January 2025.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the achievement by sharing a video of the trial run on social media, describing it as a proud moment for India. The Ministry of Railways confirmed the trial’s success, calling the Anji Khad Bridge a key component of the USBRL project.
Engineering Marvel
The Anji Khad Bridge is an engineering feat, standing as the second-highest railway bridge in India. Key features include:
• Height: A 331-meter-high single pylon above the riverbed.
• Design: Supported by 48 cables spanning its lateral and central sections.
• Dimensions: A total length of 473.25 meters, with a 120-meter viaduct and a 94.25-meter central embankment.
It follows the record-setting Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, standing at 359 meters above the riverbed.
USBRL Project Progress
The USBRL project spans 272 kilometers, with 255 kilometers already completed. The final segment, connecting Katra and Reasi, is on track to be finished by December 2024.
Upcoming Launch
Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Vande Bharat train, linking Kashmir to New Delhi, in January 2025, marking a historic moment in India’s railway history.
This development not only symbolizes India’s engineering prowess but also promises to significantly enhance connectivity, trade, and tourism in the Kashmir Valley.
