Guwahati: Have you ever been stuck at the usually-crowded railway crossing region at Bharalumukh in Guwahati? The woes of commuters could soon be coming to an end, as the government of Assam and railways have jointly planned an over bridge at the railway crossing no. ST-5 on RK Choudhury Road–MG Road for Rs 99 crore. The project could be completed as early as next year, a senior government official has informed Business North East.
The construction of the overbridge comes as part of a broader initiative to enhance safety at railway crossings and ensure smoother traffic flow. As of now, the railway crossing witnesses massive traffic jams and long waiting hours.
The project is being executed under a 50:50 cost-sharing scheme between the Government of Assam and the Indian Railways. “The total estimated cost of the project is around Rs 99 crore and the time duration for the completion of the project is 30 months, though the contractor aims to complete the work by March 26, 2025, a Public Works Department (PwD) official told Business North East. The official further informed that the administrative approval for the project is expected to be finalised within this week.
The official has further informed that the primary objective and motive behind constructing the ROB is to address "the increasing number of accidents at railway crossings" over the past decade.
"The overbridge will eliminate the need for vehicles and pedestrians to cross the railway tracks at level crossings, thus minimising the risk of accidents", the official said. Additionally, the project aims to reduce traffic congestion caused by unauthorised crossings, "which have become a significant source of delays, fuel wastage, and safety hazards for both humans and animals, and to minimise casualties", said the official.
He added: “The total length of the two-lane ROB will be approximately 1.10 kilometres, comprising 21 spans, including a 48-meter railway span. The ROB will extend from near the sluice gate on the Fatashil side to TR Phookan Park on the Machkhowa side, with one descending arm leading towards the Sonaram School field. Additionally, the clear carriageway of the main ROB will be 7.50 metres wide, while the descending arm will have a width of 5.50 metres. While the Fatashil side will be 275 metres long, the Machkhowa side of the overbridge will be 410 metres, and the Sonaram School side will be 330 metres. Both sections will feature reinforced concrete crash barriers for added safety."
The foundation will feature reinforced concrete (RCC) bored cast-in-situ piles with a diameter of 1200mm. The substructure will consist of RCC circular piers with pier caps, while the superstructure will utilise a composite design of steel plate girders and an RCC cast-in-situ deck slab for viaduct spans. For the railway span, a steel bowstring girder will be used to ensure durability and strength.
This ROB project in Bharalumukh is significant for road safety and easy movement of traffic, contributing to the region’s infrastructure development.
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