Multiple load tests conducted on Anji Khad bridge of Jammu-Srinagar railway line

Rajouri, Dec 29: Under the Jammu-Srinagar (Baramulla) railway line, the much important Anji Khad railway bridge in Reasi district has gone through multiple tests of load capacity as well as safety protocols.

Officials said that as a part of the Baramulla rail link project, multiple load tests have been conducted on the cable stay bridge over the Anji Khad that is in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.

This cable railway bridge is also the world's highest railway bridge and has come to news in the last couple of years since its completion.

On Friday and Saturday, officials said, this railway bridge has gone through multiple load tests which fall under the safety protocols.

A total weight of 33,500 tons was loaded onto the bridge, they said.

On Friday morning, a freight train loaded with 3,300 tons of weight was brought to the cable bridge from the Reasi railway station while later 57 dumpers (trucks) were placed on an additional route built along the railway track with each dumper loaded with 9 tons of boulders, totaling 513 tons.

"The freight train and dumpers were on the cable bridge for nearly two hours with a combined weight of over 33,500  tons," they said.

After two hours, officials said, all the dumpers were removed.

After testing the weight capacity, 19 cars of the 32-car freight train were sent back to the railway station while thirteen cars and a brake van remained on the Anji cable bridge overnight.

Again on Saturday, officials said, the weight capacity was further increased and more dumpers loaded with boulders were placed on the bridge.

Meanwhile, trial runs of the engine from the other side of the Anji Khadd to Katra continued intermittently.

Pertinent to mention here Jammu-Srinagar railway line also referred to as Baramulla railway line is nearing completion.