The Anji Rail Bridge, located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, represents engineering achievement for Indian Railways. Completed as part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project, this bridge is India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. It spans a total length of 725.5 metres, with the main pylon reaching a height of 193 metres. This bridge not only enhances connectivity but also promotes tourism and economic growth in the region.
Engineering Design and Construction
The Anji Rail Bridge features an asymmetrical design balanced on a central pylon. It includes a 473.25-metre cable-stayed section and a total deck width of 15 metres. The bridge is supported by 96 cables, with lengths ranging from 82 to 295 metres. Construction utilised advanced techniques, such as DOKA Jump form shuttering and pump concreting systems, improving efficiency and safety while reducing construction time by approximately 30%.
Geological Challenges
The bridge is situated in the young fold mountains of the Himalayas, characterised by complex geological features. The area is prone to seismic activity, necessitating detailed site-specific investigations conducted by IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi. A hybrid foundation was developed to stabilise the slopes supporting the main span, addressing space constraints and geological challenges.
Technological Innovations
A state-of-the-art tower crane, imported from Spain, was employed for construction at heights up to 193 metres. This crane has a capacity of 40 tonnes and an extendable height of 205 metres. An integrated monitoring system with numerous sensors has been installed to ensure the structural health of the bridge during its service life.
Safety and Operational Readiness
The bridge has been designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, with a design wind speed of 213 km/h. The operational speed for trains is set at 100 km/h. Following inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, train operations between Katra and Srinagar are expected to commence soon.
Impact on Tourism and Connectivity
The Anji Rail Bridge is poised to enhance connectivity between Katra and the Kashmir Valley. It is expected to boost tourism in the region, providing easier access to the scenic beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. This bridge stands as a testament to India’s engineering capabilities and commitment to infrastructure development.
International Collaboration
The Detailed Design and Construction Supervision (DDC) was conducted by the Italian company ITALFERR, part of the Italian State Railways Group. The design integrated Indian codes with Eurocodes, ensuring adherence to international standards. Proof checking was carried out by COWI, a UK-based firm, enhancing the bridge’s reliability and safety.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the engineering challenges faced in the construction of the Anji Rail Bridge.
- Explain the significance of the Anji Rail Bridge in the context of India’s infrastructure development.
- What are the seismic considerations in bridge engineering? Discuss their relevance using the Anji Rail Bridge as an example.
- Comment on the role of international collaboration in large infrastructure projects in India, citing the Anji Rail Bridge as a case study.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the engineering challenges faced in the construction of the Anji Rail Bridge.
- Complex geological features of the young fold mountains posed challenges.
- Seismic proneness of the region required extensive site-specific investigations.
- Space constraints necessitated the use of a hybrid foundation for slope stabilization.
- Advanced construction techniques like DOKA Jump form shuttering were employed to enhance safety and efficiency.
- Construction at heights of up to 193 m required specialized equipment, such as a high-capacity tower crane.
2. Explain the significance of the Anji Rail Bridge in the context of India’s infrastructure development.
- It is India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, showcasing advanced engineering capabilities.
- Enhances connectivity between Katra and the Kashmir Valley, promoting regional development.
- Expected to boost tourism, providing access to scenic areas in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Part of the larger Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, improving national infrastructure.
- Demonstrates India’s commitment to modernizing transportation networks and economic growth.
3. What are the seismic considerations in bridge engineering? Discuss their relevance using the Anji Rail Bridge as an example.
- Seismic considerations include evaluating ground motion, soil stability, and structural integrity.
- The Anji Rail Bridge’s location in a seismically active region necessitated detailed earthquake parameter studies.
- Hybrid foundations were designed to stabilize the structure against seismic forces.
- Integrated monitoring systems installed on the bridge ensure ongoing assessment of structural health.
- Design adhered to both Indian codes and Eurocodes, enhancing resilience against seismic events.
4. Comment on the role of international collaboration in large infrastructure projects in India, citing the Anji Rail Bridge as a case study.
- The Detailed Design and Construction Supervision (DDC) was led by the Italian company ITALFERR.
- Collaboration ensured integration of international engineering standards with local codes.
- Proof checking by COWI, a UK-based firm, enhanced the bridge’s reliability and safety.
- International expertise contributed to innovative solutions for geological and structural challenges.
- This partnership exemplifies the importance of global collaboration in advancing India’s infrastructure capabilities.
