Editorial | Anji Khad Bridge Success

This bridge, with its 96 cables and towering 193-meter central pylon, is not just an engineering marvel but also a symbol of perseverance. The load tests, which included a freight train carrying 3,300 tons and 57 dumpers loaded with 9 tons each, successfully proved that the structure can handle more than 33,500 tons of weight. These tests confirm the safety and strength of the bridge, providing confidence to engineers and officials that it will support the train services that are crucial for the region’s development.

The Anji Khad bridge, which crosses the Anji Khad River, plays a key role in the final phase of the 17-kilometer Katra-Reasi section of the railway. This section, including the T-33 tunnel that runs beneath the foothills of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, was completed in December 2023. The completion of these projects marks the end of years of hard work and brings the rail link closer to reality.

In the coming weeks, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) will conduct a final inspection of the route, with approval expected by January 2025. Once approved, the much-awaited Vande Bharat train services will be launched, dramatically reducing the travel time between Delhi and Srinagar to under 13 hours. This will not only make travel more convenient for residents but will also boost tourism and economic ties to the region.

The successful completion of the load tests on the Anji Khad bridge, along with the finishing touches on tunnels and track work, marks a new era for the Jammu and Kashmir railway network. This project will enhance the region’s economic growth, making it easier for people and goods to move in and out of the valley. The Vande Bharat sleeper trains are expected to transform the valley’s transportation landscape, bringing more visitors and opportunities for businesses.