PM Modi inaugurated Chenab bridge – world’s highest railway arch bridge and Anji bridge – India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. These are monumental engineering feats that represent significant advancements in India’s rail infrastructure, particularly in the challenging Himalayan terrain of Jammu & Kashmir. Both bridges are crucial components of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which aims to provide all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.
Emphasising that both Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge will serve as catalysts for prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said, “these landmark projects will not only boost tourism but also benefit various sectors of the economy, creating new opportunities for businesses and industries”.
Chenab Bridge: The World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge
The Chenab Bridge is an arch bridge, specifically a steel arch bridge.
What is an Arch Bridge: An arch bridge is a bridge with abutments at each end shaped as a curved arch. Arch bridges work by transferring the weight of the bridge and its loads horizontally to the abutments at either side. The arch shape naturally converts downward forces into outward thrusts, which the abutments resist. This design is highly efficient for spanning large distances and resisting significant loads.
Key Features of the Chenab Bridge:
World’s Highest: Standing at an astounding height of 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the Chenab River, it surpasses even the Eiffel Tower in height, making it the world’s highest railway arch bridge.
Length: It spans 1,315 meters (4,314 feet) in total, with a main arch span of 467 meters.
Material: Primarily constructed from steel and concrete. The arch itself is made of large steel trusses, with chords of the trusses made of prefabricated steel boxes filled with concrete. This combination enhances strength and damping.
Robust Design: Engineered to withstand extreme conditions, including:
Wind speeds up to 266 km/h (165 mph).
Earthquakes up to magnitude 8.0 on the Richter scale.
Temperatures as low as -20°C.
High-intensity blasts (it incorporates 63mm-thick special blast-proof steel and concrete pillars designed to absorb explosion impact).
Lifespan: Designed for a lifespan of 120 years.
Anji Bridge: India’s First Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge
The Anji Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge.
What is a Cable-Stayed Bridge: A cable-stayed bridge has one or more towers (pylons) from which cables support the bridge deck. Unlike a suspension bridge, where the cables are hung between towers and vertical suspenders hold up the deck, in a cable-stayed bridge, the cables are directly connected from the towers to the deck. This allows for a more direct transfer of loads and often results in a stiffer bridge structure. Cable-stayed bridges are often chosen for medium to long spans.
Key Features of the Anji Bridge:
First of its Kind in India: It holds the distinction of being India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
Challenging Terrain: Built in a seismically active and geologically complex area with very strong winds, the bridge is a testament to overcoming significant natural obstacles.
Asymmetrical Design: It features a striking asymmetrical design, with a single pylon rising 193 meters (633 feet) from its foundation (and 331 meters above the riverbed) located on the more accessible side of the gorge.
Cable System: The deck is supported by 96 high-tensile cables of varying lengths, ranging from 82 meters to 295 meters, contributing to its stability and unique appearance. The total length of cable strand used is an impressive 653 kilometers.
Length: The main bridge itself is 473.25 meters long, with a total length including ancillary structures spanning 725.5 meters.
Withstand Capabilities: Designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 213 km/h (132 mph) and train speeds of up to 100 km/h. It also incorporates advanced monitoring systems and earthquake safety measures.
Why These Bridges Matter
Strategic: Enhances national integration and defense logistics
Economic: Facilitates faster movement of goods like apples, dry fruits, and handicrafts
Tourism: Expected to draw visitors as new iconic landmarks
Social: Reduces isolation of remote communities, enabling better access to education, health, and employment
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