The ongoing construction of a rail overbridge at Satyanarayan Pet level-crossing is likely to be delayed due to a technical reason. A decision is yet to be taken on whether to use pre-stressed concrete girders as per the original plan or use steel sheets as an alternative.
The work is already going on at a slow pace owing to the delay in land acquisition for laying a road on either side of the overbridge.
Two options
Official sources told The Hindu that laying pre-stressed concrete girders would take about three years while using steel sheets would help complete the work within a year. However, it would bring an additional burden of Rs. 5.5 crore on the State exchequer.
As the span between each pier is around 35 metres, manufacturing around 12 pre-stressed concrete girders would not only consume time, but it would also lead to cost escalation and delay its completion. “If steel is used, though the cost will be high, it will help complete the work early. Keeping in view the likely escalation of cost every year, the additional burden will not be much,” the sources pointed out.
A modified proposal on using steel has been sent to the State government and is awaiting its approval. The revised estimated cost is likely to be Rs. 35 crore.
Foundation stone for the bridge was laid almost 15 ago by the then Minister of State for Railways Basavaraj Patil Yatnal.
The work began in June 2013 under a cost-sharing basis between the Railways and the State government. The estimated cost was Rs. 28 crore and the project was supposed to be completed in two years.
Pending work
The Railways has completed the construction of a portion of the overbridge above the twin railway tracks. The Public Works Department has to complete the other works, including laying a service road adjacent to the bridge. Work on laying girders and roads is pending.
The underpass constructed adjacent to the bridge has brought big relief to the road users from the frequent closure of railway gates for movement of goods and passenger trains.
The work is going on at a slow pace
owing to the delay in land acquisition for laying a road
