Nagpur: In a significant boost to urban connectivity and public safety, the Nagpur Division of Central Railway has successfully completed the rehabilitation of the nearly century-old Ghat Road Bridge (Bridge No. 835/1) over the Nag River, well before the onset of monsoon and the stipulated deadline of May 30, 2025.
The restoration of this historic stone masonry arch bridge was carried out in close coordination with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the DCP Traffic Office, ensuring that vehicular movement has now resumed on all five spans.
Historic Structure Reinforced for Future Use:
The bridge, which dates back almost 100 years, comprises five spans of 9.15 meters each—three towards Nagpur station designed as waterway spans and two towards Ajni station serving as road spans. A comprehensive inspection in 2023 revealed significant structural aging, prompting the need for urgent rehabilitation.
After receiving clearance from the Headquarters Office, Central Railway began structural strengthening through inturning and jacketing techniques to reinforce the aging bridge.
Phased Work Execution and Traffic Management:
Rehabilitation work commenced in November 2023, starting with Waterway Span No. 5. To facilitate the repair of Road Spans Nos. 1 and 2, traffic was temporarily diverted via a makeshift roadway through Waterway Span No. 3 with the approval of the NMC.
Although permission for traffic closure was initially withdrawn, effective coordination between Central Railway and city authorities eventually led to final approval in February 2025 to route traffic through Span No. 3, allowing uninterrupted progress.
Timely Completion Ensures Monsoon Readiness:
The critical jacketing work on Spans Nos. 1 and 2 was completed between March 1 and May 25, 2025. With all spans now structurally reinforced, full traffic movement was restored by the end of May. Dismantling of the temporary road created for the diversion is also scheduled to be completed by May 31, ensuring the bridge is fully ready for the monsoon season.
Model of Coordination and Efficiency:
This project stands as a testament to meticulous planning, seamless inter-agency coordination, and technical execution by Central Railway in collaboration with NMC and the Traffic Police. The timely completion not only secures the bridge’s structural integrity but also safeguards uninterrupted traffic flow on a key route connecting Nagpur and Ajni.
The successful rehabilitation of the Ghat Road Bridge has significantly enhanced safety and connectivity for commuters in Nagpur just in time for the monsoon.
