By Saurav Mehra Anji Khad Bridge is one of India’s most remarkable railway engineering projects and the country’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. Built across the Anji River in Jammu and Kashmir, the bridge forms an important part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project that connects the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India through railways.
Located in the Reasi district, the bridge is famous for its massive cable-supported structure, difficult Himalayan terrain, and advanced engineering design. It became one of India’s most talked-about infrastructure projects after its inauguration in June 2025 alongside the historic Chenab Rail Bridge.
Quick Overview of Anji Khad Bridge
| Feature | Details |
| Popular Name | Anji Khad Bridge |
| Location | Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir |
| State/UT | Jammu and Kashmir |
| River | Anji River |
| Bridge Type | Cable-stayed railway bridge |
| Famous For | India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge |
| Part of Project | USBRL Project |
| Opened In | 2025 |
| Nearby Areas | Katra, Reasi |
| Nearest Railway Station | Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra |
| Main Purpose | Railway connectivity |
| Builder | Hindustan Construction Company |
Location of Anji Khad Bridge
Anji Khad Bridge is located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir between Katra and Reasi stations on the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla railway route. The bridge crosses the Anji River, which is a tributary of the Chenab River.
The bridge lies in the Himalayan foothill region surrounded by steep valleys, rocky mountains, and deep gorges.
Directions to Reach Anji Khad Bridge
Reaching the Anji Khad Bridge area is possible through roads, railways, and airports connected to Jammu and Kashmir.
By Road
Travelers can reach the bridge region through:
- Jammu–Srinagar National Highway
- Katra road routes
- Reasi district roads
Private taxis, buses, and tourist vehicles regularly operate toward Katra and Reasi.
By Train
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station is the nearest major railway station near the bridge corridor. The USBRL railway project directly connects this section with Kashmir routes.
By Air
Jammu Airport is the nearest major airport connected through road transport toward Katra and Reasi.
History of Anji Khad Bridge
The Anji Khad Bridge project was developed as part of the ambitious USBRL project designed to provide all-weather railway connectivity to Kashmir Valley.
Initially, engineers planned to build an arch bridge across the gorge. However, geological studies later found the area unsuitable because of unstable mountain conditions and steep terrain. Indian Railways then approved a cable-stayed bridge design in 2016.
Construction officially began around 2017. After several years of difficult engineering work in the Himalayan region, the bridge was completed in 2023 and trial runs started in 2024.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the bridge on 6 June 2025.
Structure and Design of Anji Khad Bridge
Anji Khad Bridge is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge and one of the country’s most advanced railway structures.
Important features include:
- Cable-stayed rail bridge design
- Single inverted Y-shaped pylon
- 96 steel support cables
- Steel deck structure
- Railway track with maintenance pathway
According to reports:
- Total bridge length is around 725 meters
- Main cable-stayed span is around 473 meters
- Pylon height is around 331 meters above riverbed
- The bridge stands around 331 meters above the valley floor
The bridge was specially designed to survive:
- High seismic activity
- Strong Himalayan winds
- Harsh weather conditions
Importance of Anji Khad Bridge
Anji Khad Bridge is strategically and economically important for Jammu and Kashmir.
The bridge helps:
- Improve rail connectivity to Kashmir
- Reduce travel difficulties in winter
- Strengthen transportation infrastructure
- Boost tourism
- Improve military logistics
The bridge forms a major part of India’s effort to fully connect Kashmir Valley with the national railway network.
Part of the USBRL Project
The bridge is a major section of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link project, one of India’s most ambitious railway projects.
The USBRL project includes:
- 272 km railway route
- 36 tunnels
- More than 900 bridges
- High-altitude railway engineering
The project aims to provide year-round railway access to Kashmir Valley.
Nearby Areas Around Anji Khad Bridge
Katra
Katra is one of Jammu and Kashmir’s most famous pilgrimage towns known for the Vaishno Devi Temple.
Reasi
Reasi district is known for mountainous terrain, river valleys, and major railway engineering projects.
Chenab Bridge Area
The world-famous Chenab Rail Bridge is located near the Anji Khad Bridge corridor.
Jammu
Jammu acts as the main transportation gateway toward the Kashmir railway route.
Engineering Challenges
The bridge was built in extremely difficult Himalayan conditions.
Engineers faced challenges including:
- Unstable mountain slopes
- Deep river gorge
- Seismic activity
- Strong winds
- Difficult transportation access
Reports mention that special slope stabilization methods and advanced monitoring systems were installed during construction.
Safety and Technology Features
Anji Khad Bridge includes advanced safety systems such as:
- Structural health monitoring sensors
- Wind monitoring systems
- Earthquake-resistant design
- Cable monitoring technology
The bridge can reportedly handle wind speeds up to around 213 km/h and train speeds up to 100 km/h.
Scenic Beauty Around the Bridge
The bridge region offers stunning Himalayan views including:
- Deep mountain valleys
- River gorges
- Snow-covered hills
- Railway photography spots
- Forest landscapes
The bridge itself has become a major attraction for railway enthusiasts and engineering tourism.
Interesting Facts About Anji Khad Bridge
- It is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
- The bridge is located in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
- It forms part of the USBRL railway project.
- The bridge uses 96 steel cables for support.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the bridge in June 2025.
Conclusion
Anji Khad Bridge is one of India’s greatest modern railway engineering achievements. Built across the rugged Himalayan terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, the bridge represents a major milestone in Indian railway infrastructure and connectivity.
Its advanced cable-stayed design, strategic importance, and role in the USBRL project continue to make Anji Khad Bridge one of the country’s most remarkable railway structures.
FAQs About Anji Khad Bridge
Q: Where is Anji Khad Bridge located?
A: Anji Khad Bridge is located in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Q: Why is Anji Khad Bridge famous?
A: It is famous for being India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
Q: Which river flows below Anji Khad Bridge?
A: The bridge crosses the Anji River, a tributary of the Chenab River.
Q: Which project includes Anji Khad Bridge?
A: The bridge is part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
Q: When was Anji Khad Bridge inaugurated?
A: The bridge was inaugurated on 6 June 2025.
Q: What type of bridge is Anji Khad Bridge?
A: It is a cable-stayed railway bridge.
Q: How many cables support the bridge?
A: The bridge is supported by 96 steel cables.
Q: Why was a cable-stayed design chosen?
A: The original arch bridge design was rejected because of unstable geological conditions.
Q: Which railway stations are connected by the bridge?
A: The bridge lies between Katra and Reasi railway sections.
Q: Why is Anji Khad Bridge important?
A: The bridge improves railway connectivity between Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
Akash Sharma