NewzVille Desk
Indian Railways has sanctioned a key infrastructure project costing ₹431.76 crore for the reconstruction of crucial rail bridge number 57 on the Howrah-Kharagpur section under South Eastern Railway (SER).
The project involves the reconstruction of the bridge’s substructure on a realigned alignment and the construction of a new viaduct.
It also includes the development of a new Kolaghat railway station between Deulti and Kolaghat stations in the Kharagpur division, along with extensive platform work and the provision of upgraded passenger amenities.
Bridge number 57 has been supporting rail operations on this section for over six decades on its robust foundation.
The sanctioned reconstruction will create a modern and robust structure, enhancing durability and mitigating age-related material degradation.
The improved design will strengthen safety standards and ensure long-term service reliability.
This project is designed to meet current and future operational requirements.
Considering increasing axle loads, higher traffic density, and train speeds up to 130 kmph, the new bridge will be designed to efficiently handle a higher gross tonnage of 57 GMT.
The modern structure, conforming to current engineering standards, will improve structural resilience and operational performance while remaining compatible with the parallel line infrastructure in the section.
Keeping future needs in mind, the sanctioned works also include provisions for a fourth railway line. Considering available space, economy, and technical parameters, a combined substructure capable of accommodating both the Up line and the future fourth line has been planned.
This sanctioned project will significantly enhance safety, connectivity, capacity, and operational efficiency on this busy rail corridor.
