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Nagpur: The second phase of Ramjhula, the six-lane cable-stayed railway over bridge (RoB) near Nagpur Railway Station, has reached final stages and is likely to be dedicated to public in middle of June. The Mumbai-based company — Afcons Infrastructure Limited – is carrying out the Ramjhula construction. The company has successfully completed cable-stayed bridges in Bengaluru and Kota. Compared to the two bridges, Nagpur’s Ramjhula is being considered to be hi-tech and modern.
The first phase of Ramjhula was dedicated three years ago. The second phase is being completed on faster pace as compared to the first phase. The ongoing Metro Rail project had affected the Ramjhula work in the second phase. Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC) and Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Mahametro) are jointly executing the work. Approved under the Integrated Road Development Project (IRDP) in 2001, the project’s phase-I comprising three-lane cable-stayed RoB was completed and opened for traffic in December 2014. Since then, the two-way traffic is maintained on phase-I only.
The cost of the project was estimated at Rs 45 crore but till now Rs 61 crore have been spent mainly due to delayed work. Notably, more than 100 cables have been used in Ramjhula. The cables will need oiling in every 40-45 years. A broad footpath has also been constructed for pedestrians.
Total length of the phase-II is 606.74 meters of which the cable-stayed stretch comes to around 200 meters. MSRDC is nearing completion of the approach towards Jaistambh square. On approach towards the Central Avenue, MSRDC and Mahametro are jointly executing the work of the bridge and the approach. Three spans of 210-meter bridge (where there are no cables) will be constructed by MSRDC and the remaining five spans by Mahametro. Approach of 84 meter landing on Central Avenue will be done by Mahametro.
