Rs333cr Ajni bridge works in full flow, one side to be ready by Oct

Nagpur: After clearing multiple hurdles, Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC) or MahaRail has intensified its efforts to construct the long-awaited Ajni twin cable stayed bridge over the Nagpur-Wardha line near Ajni railway station. The railway over bridge (RoB) is being built at an estimated cost of Rs333 crore. The MRIDC has already built two of the three supports for the first cable bridge, while work on the central pier is being carried out. "After this, the cable and girder work will start," said sources. MahaRail plans to open the first cable bridge, which is being constructed in phase 1, by October this year.
Heavy vehicles were banned on the over 125-year-old British-era Ajni bridge as its in a bad condition. The new six-lane RoB, three lanes on each side, is being built on the lines of Ram Jhula near the city main railway station.
MRIDC officials said that the bridge is being constructed in two phases, without disrupting traffic on the existing old bridge. After the completion of one side of the RoB in phase 1, the old bridge would be dismantled, and traffic would be diverted for both sides on to the newly constructed bridge. Another cable-stayed bridge would then be built in place of the old bridge. Vehicular traffic would then be allowed for both sides on the two cable bridges, which will have a 1-meter gap between them.
The stone-breaking ceremony for the bridge was carried out on April 15, 2023, and work started after getting approvals from concerned authorities, including Central Railway, Public Work Department, and govt of Maharashtra. Sources said that the work was initially delayed because of design approvals from the railways.
MRIDC officials added that they faced multiple hurdles during the work, including tree-cutting issues at a few locations, along with land acquisition and removal of encroachments. "The permission for tree cutting has been received, and NMC is helping the department with land acquisition," said officials.
Currently, Ajni bridge witnesses traffic jams as it is an important link between old and new Nagpur. The new RoB will ease traffic congestion at the spot.