New Delhi: On Saturday, Indian Railways granted approval for the construction of a four-lane Road Over Bridge (ROB) on the Udhna-Ukai Songadh section of the Western Railway. The total expenditure for this project is ₹133.2295 crore, which will be divided between Indian Railways and the state government.
The ROB will feature a four-lane design, incorporating an Open Web Girder (OWG) for the railway bridge segment, with an estimated cost of ₹91.60 crore.
This crossing is characterized by a 62% skew, which adds to the complexity of both design and construction.
The viaduct section will extend a total length of 311.58 meters, with an estimated cost of ₹19.98 crore. Additionally, the Railway Approach (RE) segment will measure 524.32 meters in length, costing approximately ₹10.25 crore.
The funding for the project will be split equally between Indian Railways and the State Government, with each contributing ₹66.6147 crore and ₹66.6148 crore, respectively.
The construction of this four-lane ROB is expected to enhance road traffic flow, thereby minimizing disruptions to railway operations. This grade-separated infrastructure will not only support more efficient train services but also enhance safety and reliability for passengers traveling on the Udhna-Ukai Songadh section.
Previously, on September 9, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved three multitracking railway projects worth ₹10,783 crore, which aim to extend the Indian Railways network by approximately 656 km and boost freight capacity.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced these projects during a Cabinet briefing, detailing their coverage across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, with completion expected by 2029-30.
The CCEA’s announcement highlighted the approved initiatives, including the Kharagpur-Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) fourth line, the Katni-Pendra Road fourth line, and the Bilaspur (Uslapur)-Pendra Road third line.
These projects will span 14 districts and are projected to enhance rail connectivity for approximately 4,790 villages, benefiting a total population of around 56 lakh.
Part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the initiatives are designed to improve multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency through integrated planning.
The expanded railway infrastructure is also anticipated to enhance access to various tourist and pilgrimage sites, including Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Amarkantak, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Taratarini Temple, and other significant locations in the regions affected by these developments.
