Push for wider bridges over Shahdara drain

The Noida Authority has written to the Delhi government’s irrigation and flood control department to finalize the detailed project reports (DPR) for widening of three bridges over the Shahdara drain, which is expected to cost Rs 50 crore. This could spell major relief for thousands of commuters shuttling between Delhi and Noida from east Delhi and via DND Flyway.

Last year, the Authority had sanctioned Rs 90 crore for widening of the five bridges across the drain. After signing an MoU with the Delhi government, the Authority had released 3% cost of the project, about Rs 1.41 crore, to the irrigation department for widening of three of the five bridges over the drain. It was supposed to receive the DPRs last month after which tenders had to be invited.

The Authority’s chief maintenance engineer, A K Goel, said the initial amount was released for soil testing, site survey, construction of the site office and preparing the design and blueprint of the bridges.

According to the agreement, the Authority will fund the project. The work, however, will be carried out by the Delhi government. The Authority will release the estimated amount of Rs 50 crore in phases.

The project will involve widening of the sectors 14-14A bridge, sectors 16A-18 bridge and the bridge near Okhla Barrage. “Considering the increasing traffic load on the bridge flanks, we want to fast-track the project. We have written to the Delhi government for finalizing the DPRs. After we receive the project reports, we will quickly finalize the tenders and start construction,” Goel added.

Officials said during construction, they will adopt methods that cause minimum traffic disruption. “We will use a special method called the segment technique to cause the least disturbance to traffic movement,” Goel said. “Once the construction is kick-started, it will take 18 months to complete the project,” he added.The three bridges, which have four lanes, will be converted to eight-lane bridges. Each 7.5m carriageway will be widened to 30m. These bridges will be widened by one lane on both sides of the carriageway.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/Push-for-wider-bridges-over-Shahdara-drain/articleshow/17175438.cms