Gujarat CM Approves Rs 220 Crore for Four-Laning of Kalupur and Sarangpur Railway Overbridges
Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has given the green light to a significant infrastructure upgrade with the approval of Rs 220 crore for the four-laning and renovation of the Kalupur and Sarangpur railway overbridges. This project is part of the broader Rs 440 crore Kalupur Railway Station Redevelopment Project, which aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi,’ emphasising the balance between preserving heritage and fostering development.
The state’s financial commitment of Rs 220 crore is expected to modernise the existing infrastructure, which has been a critical part of Ahmedabad’s transport system for decades. This ambitious project will not only improve the flow of traffic but also enhance safety and convenience for commuters. Both the Kalupur and Sarangpur railway overbridges, essential arteries in Ahmedabad’s road network, have aged significantly. The Kalupur Railway Overbridge, known as Manu Bhai Parmar Bridge, was constructed in 1915, and the Sarangpur Overbridge, built in 1940, is showing signs of wear due to their age and the growing pressure from increasing traffic volumes. At present, the Kalupur Overbridge has just three lanes with footpaths, while Sarangpur is even more limited, operating with only two lanes. These bridges, which were once sufficient for lower traffic, are now failing to cope with the demands of a modern, bustling city. With rising safety concerns and traffic congestion, both overbridges will be demolished and replaced by four-lane structures under the supervision of the Railway Land Development Authority (RLDA). This development is expected to drastically ease traffic flow in this part of the city, improving connectivity and reducing delays for commuters.
The renovation is part of a larger push by the Gujarat government to modernise transportation infrastructure, with the intention of making life easier for citizens and improving overall road safety. The upgraded four-lane structures will support the growing vehicular movement and allow for a smoother commute, especially during peak hours. Alongside the Kalupur and Sarangpur overbridges, an additional Rs 52.83 crore has been allocated for the construction of a new overbridge at the existing railway crossing LC-100-2E between Radhanpur city and Bhilot road. This new bridge will create a seamless connection between Radhanpur, Bhilot, and Suigam, facilitating smoother travel and boosting transportation for both people and goods in these regions.
The total financial commitment for these three infrastructure projects amounts to Rs 272.75 crore, with specific allocations of Rs 106.67 crore for the Kalupur Railway Overbridge, Rs 113.25 crore for the Sarangpur Railway Overbridge, and Rs 52.83 crore for the Radhanpur Bridge. The overhaul of the Kalupur and Sarangpur railway overbridges, combined with the new Radhanpur overbridge, will significantly enhance connectivity across Ahmedabad and surrounding areas. The modernisation of these overbridges will help alleviate the mounting traffic congestion in the city, which has long been a source of frustration for commuters. Not only will these upgrades save time and fuel, but they will also improve road safety, making travel more efficient and less stressful.
Local officials have expressed optimism about the benefits of these projects. By investing in modern infrastructure, the state government aims to foster smoother urban mobility, contribute to economic growth, and align with the nation’s broader infrastructure development goals. It is expected that these upgrades will cater to the future growth of Ahmedabad and nearby areas while improving the daily commute for thousands of residents. As work progresses, officials will continue to monitor the projects closely, ensuring that the new overbridges are completed on time and with minimal disruption to traffic. The anticipated improvements are expected to have a positive long-term impact on Ahmedabad’s infrastructure, contributing to its growth as a thriving metropolitan hub.