Title - Railways plans to complete Khagaul road overbridge in 18 months

PATNA: Railways has started civil work on the much awaited road overbridge (ROB) at level crossing gate No 35 at Khagaul, Patna. Indian Railway Construction Company (Ircon) has been awarded the contract to complete it at an estimated cost of about Rs 98.27 crore.Railways has also decided to build two other ROBs, at Sarari and Shiwala railway crossing gates, at Khagaul at an estimated cost of Rs 40 crore. The details of these two proposed ROBs have been worked out, sources said.According to an Ircon official, the Khagaul ROB has been planned in such a way that it would facilitate huge traffic after its completion. Though railways has decided to complete it in three years from now, efforts would be made to complete it in a record 18 months time, he said.The ROB will be about 2.01km long and 17.2 metres wide. The overbridge, which is being built in 'Y' shape, would have four lanes, he said.According to sources, several railway quarters would be dismantled to build the alignment of the ROB, particularly towards Danapur station end. The boundary wall of Jagjivan Stadium would be slightly grazed while erecting the main portion of the bridge, sources said, adding there would be no damage to the stadium. According to sources, the ROB will directly connect south and east sides with the west end of the town. According to divisional railway manager (DRM), Danapur, L M Jha, though the state government has announced to stop the movement of heavy vehicles on this route, it has not yet informed the railways about alternative traffic arrangements during the construction period. Besides, the state government will have to work in consultation with the railways for the diversion of traffic from the railway crossing gate, he said.