Anji Khad, Chenab rail bridges: ZRUCC conducts study tour to assess technological innovations

Jammu, Nov 26: The members of the Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) Wednesday conducted a study tour of the newly constructed Chenab and Anji Khad rail bridges in the Jammu Division of Northern Railway.

The primary objective of this study tour was to observe technological innovations in railway infrastructure development and the development of Indian Railways, and to understand the complexities of constructing these bridges.

The ZRUCC members were accompanied by the Additional General Manager; Deputy General Manager (General); Divisional Railway Manager, Vivek Kumar; Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Uchit Singhal, and other senior divisional officials.

Both the Chenab and Anji Khad Rail bridges form a crucial part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project (USBRL).

These bridges are a marvel of engineering in themselves. The Chenab bridge, built over the Chenab river, is 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Safety-wise, the bridge is capable of withstanding earthquakes of magnitude 8 and winds of up to 266 km per hour.

The Anji Khad Rail Bridge is India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, built on challenging terrain. Its height is approximately 331 meters, ensuring improved connectivity.

“This study tour will provide ZRUCC members with an opportunity to observe these ambitious projects closely and understand the technical and operational challenges facing the railways,” Singhal said.

“This study tour is an important step towards improving railway infrastructure and meeting the needs of railway users. The information gained from this visit will be used to plan future projects more efficiently and effectively,” he stated.