After a period of frustrating delays that prompted intervention from local Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary, the crucial work of pushing the massive steel bridge girder over the busy Mangaluru-Mumbai railway line for the Railway Over Bridge (RoB) at Indrali in Udupi finally commenced today, May 12, 2025.
This development marks a significant step forward for a project vital to enhancing connectivity on the Malpe-Tirthahalli National Highway 169A and easing traffic congestion in the region. The MP’s direct appeal to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw appears to have been instrumental in expediting the necessary approvals from railway authorities. The urgency of the situation was underscored by Mr. Poojary’s social media post on May 10th, highlighting the readiness of the girder for installation and the completion of inspection by the Chief Engineer of Konkan Railway, while expressing concern that further delays, potentially exacerbated by impending rains, could further complicate the project. This proactive engagement by the local representative underscores the importance of accountability and responsiveness in large-scale infrastructure projects that directly impact the lives of citizens.
Following the MP’s appeal, the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) of the Indian Railways, which had already conducted a statutory inspection of the bow-string steel bridge structure in late April and expressed satisfaction, finally granted the necessary installation approval late on May 11th. This clearance paved the way for the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) to begin providing the essential line and power blocks, restricting train movement on the Mangaluru-Mumbai section at regular intervals starting from 11:30 am today. These carefully coordinated blocks are crucial to ensure the safety of the engineering work as the massive steel structure is incrementally moved into its final position over the railway tracks. The National Highways Division of the Karnataka Public Works Department (PWD) is the executing agency for this significant infrastructure undertaking. The process of pushing the pre-assembled bow-string steel bridge girder, measuring an impressive 12 metres in width, 58 metres in length, and weighing approximately 476 tonnes, had initially commenced on April 17th from the Manipal end after rigorous testing of the structure by KRCL engineers. However, progress stalled due to a delay in KRCL formally allowing the movement of the girder over the railway line, citing the non-receipt of certified copies of the RDSO certification – a bureaucratic hurdle that understandably drew the ire of the local MP.
Engineers overseeing the project estimate that the intricate process of pushing the massive steel structure over the railway line will take approximately one day to complete. Following this critical phase, the subsequent task of lowering the girder onto its permanent supports is expected to take about a week. The final stage will involve concreting the bridge surface to create a usable roadway. Barring any unforeseen challenges, the additional Railway Over Bridge at Indrali is now projected to be ready for public use by the end of May, a development that will significantly improve traffic flow and connectivity in this vital region of Udupi. The methodology employed to move the colossal steel structure involves the use of powerful hydraulic jacks, birders (temporary support structures), and rails strategically placed atop the girders. This inch-by-inch movement requires meticulous precision and careful coordination between the engineering teams and the railway authorities to ensure both the structural integrity of the bridge and the safety of railway operations. The completion of this long-awaited infrastructure project will not only ease traffic congestion on the busy National Highway but also enhance the overall efficiency of transportation networks in the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru region, contributing to smoother commutes and potentially boosting local economic activity.
The proactive intervention of the local MP highlights the crucial role of public representatives in advocating for and expediting infrastructure projects that are essential for regional development and the well-being of their constituents.
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