India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, has emerged as a cornerstone of modern transportation in Jammu and Kashmir. Since its full operational launch on June 6, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the bridge has become a vital link for the region. As of August 5, 2026, it serves as a seamless rail connection between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, marking a major milestone in the ongoing development of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
Key highlights of the Anji Khad Bridge include:
• Spans a total length of 725.5 meters with a 473.25-meter cable-stayed main segment.
• Features a single asymmetrical pylon standing 193 meters tall.
• Elevated at a staggering 331 meters above the Anji River bed.
• Supported by 96 high-strength stay cables connecting the Katra and Reasi sections.
• Built to withstand wind speeds of up to 213 km/h and high-intensity Zone V seismic activity.
An Engineering Marvel of Global Standards
The construction of this bridge was a collaborative effort involving the Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) and the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL). To ensure world-class safety and stability, the structural design was led by WSP Finland, with critical seismic and geotechnical inputs provided by experts from IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi. Furthermore, international engineering firms Italferr and COWI (UK) provided rigorous proof-checking and supervision, ensuring the bridge meets international safety benchmarks.
Safety and Operational Efficiency
Safety remains the top priority for this engineering feat. The bridge is equipped with an integrated structural health monitoring system, utilizing numerous sensors to track the bridge’s condition in real-time. Trains are permitted to operate on the bridge at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. The project, which was completed at an estimated cost of ₹437 crore, has already received international recognition, winning the Award of Merit in the Bridge/Tunnel category at the 2024 ENR Global Best Projects Awards. By bridging the difficult terrain of the Himalayas, the Anji Khad Bridge not only facilitates smoother travel but also symbolizes the broader progress in infrastructure, tourism, and investment within the region.