In a landmark moment for Indian infrastructure and regional connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, in a grand ceremony attended by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The inauguration marks a major milestone in the progress of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project—an ambitious national initiative aimed at transforming rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
A Symbol of Determination and Engineering Excellence
Ahead of the official inauguration, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a breathtaking video of the Anji Bridge on social media platform X, emphasizing the power of human resolve. His post read, “Think firmly, There is a wide path of virtue, Keep moving forward. Keep moving forward.” His words echoed the sentiment that the Anji Khad Bridge stands not just as a physical structure, but as a symbol of perseverance, innovation, and the nation’s will to overcome the toughest geographical and climatic challenges.
Engineering Marvel Amidst the Himalayas
The Anji Bridge, nestled in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, is a stunning example of engineering brilliance set against the scenic beauty of snow-capped mountains. Spanning the Anji River, a tributary of the Chenab, it plays a vital role in the Katra-Banihal stretch of the USBRL project. Located about 80 kilometres from Jammu, the bridge is built to withstand the challenging Himalayan terrain, including earthquakes, strong winds, and shifting geology.
Stretching 725 metres across a deep valley, the bridge soars 331 metres above the riverbed—roughly the height of a 100-storey building. At its core stands a striking inverted Y-shaped pylon, rising 193 metres from the foundation and secured by 96 high-tensile cables. The structure incorporates 653 kilometres of cable strand and more than 8,200 metric tonnes of structural steel, underscoring its immense scale and engineering strength.
A Race Against Time: Built in Just 11 Months
One of the most astonishing aspects of the Anji Khad Bridge is the speed of its construction. Despite the geographical and logistical challenges, the entire structure was completed in just 11 months, highlighting the unprecedented coordination, innovation, and commitment of the engineering teams and labor force behind the project.
Driving Progress: A Game-Changer for Jammu and Kashmir
Beyond its architectural brilliance, the Anji Khad Bridge is a key enabler of economic development and social integration for Jammu and Kashmir. As part of the USBRL project, which seeks to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the Indian railway network, the bridge will drastically reduce travel time, facilitate the movement of goods, and open new avenues for tourism, trade, and employment.
The government views the Anji Khad Bridge as more than just an infrastructure achievement—it stands as a “symbol of human will and vision.” It reflects India’s commitment to inclusive growth, connecting remote areas with the national mainstream and demonstrating what can be accomplished through determination and forward-thinking design.
A New Chapter in Connectivity and National Integration
With the inauguration of the Anji Khad Bridge, India has once again demonstrated its capacity to break barriers—both natural and technological. It stands tall not only as the nation’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, but also as a beacon of progress for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the country at large.
As trains begin to roll across this magnificent structure, the Anji Khad Bridge will carry more than passengers and goods—it will carry the aspirations of a nation, bridging not just valleys but dreams.
