Infrastructure enhancements are on the horizon for road and rail transport along the Udhna-Ukai Songadh section of Western Railway in Gujarat, with plans for a four-lane Road Over Bridge (ROB) to replace an existing level crossing.
On September 19, the Ministry of Railways announced via its official X account that the construction of the four-lane ROB has been authorized at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 133 crore. The ministry emphasized the project’s goals on X, stating, “Smoother Traffic, Safer Rail Operations.”
According to a press release from the Ministry of Railways, the new ROB will take the place of Level Crossing No.53, located at km 62/2-4 on the Udhna-Ukai Songadh line. The project’s total estimated cost is Rs 133.2295 crore.
Key Details
- Project: Four-Lane Road Over Bridge
- Cost: Rs 133.2295 crore
- Section: Udhna-Ukai Songadh, Western Railway
- Replaces: Level Crossing No.53
The replacement of Level Crossing No.53 with the four-lane ROB will create a grade-separated crossing, effectively segregating road traffic from railway operations at that point. The Railway Ministry anticipates that this construction will enable smoother vehicular movement, thereby minimizing disruptions to train services.
The new infrastructure is expected to enhance train operations, resulting in safer and more efficient railway movement along the Udhna-Ukai Songadh route.
Bridge Specifications
The bridge component of the ROB will incorporate an Open Web Girder (OWG), with an estimated cost of Rs 91.60 crore. A significant aspect of the project is its alignment; the crossing has a 62% skew to the railway line, which adds complexity to the design and construction.
The viaduct will measure 311.58 meters in length, with a projected cost of Rs 19.98 crore.
Railway Approach Details
The Railway Approach (RE) section will extend 524.32 meters at an estimated expense of Rs 10.25 crore, as stated in the official announcement. The overall project cost of Rs 133.2295 crore will be shared equally between Indian Railways and the state government.
Indian Railways will provide Rs 66.6147 crore, while the state will contribute Rs 66.6148 crore.
Impact on Railway Operations
While the primary focus is on replacing the level crossing, the Ministry of Railways has highlighted the positive implications for train operations. According to PIB, the reduction of interference between road and rail traffic is expected to enhance the efficiency and reliability of services on the Udhna-Ukai Songadh route.
Broader Infrastructure Initiatives
In a separate development, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved three railway multitracking projects on September 9, with a combined value of Rs 10,783 crore across five states. These initiatives are projected to extend the Indian Railways network by approximately 656 kilometers, impacting 14 districts. The projects include the fourth line from Kharagpur to Jharsuguda (Bagdehi), the third line from Bilaspur (Uslapur) to Pendra Road, and the fourth line from Katni to Pendra Road.
