Nagpur Metro's 257-Metre Bridge to Span Three Railway Lines

The Nagpur Metro Phase II project has reached a significant milestone with the construction of a 257-metre bridge designed to span three major railway lines: Godhani-Kalamna, Chhindwara-Nagpur, and Khaparkheda. This ambitious structure is part of the ongoing efforts to enhance public transportation in Nagpur and is recognized as one of the most technically challenging components of the project due to the busy railway corridor it will traverse.

The bridge's design includes a central span measuring 110 metres directly above the railway tracks, flanked by two additional spans of 74 metres and 73 metres. The Metro rail will be positioned approximately 24 metres above ground level. As of now, the substructure work has been completed, and construction of the superstructure has commenced from the Kamptee end, as confirmed by project officials.

A notable aspect of this construction is the use of the balanced cantilever technique, which allows for the extension of the bridge horizontally from supporting pillars without the need for extensive scaffolding. This method involves casting concrete segments on either side of a supporting pier and connecting them using post-tensioning technology, ensuring the structure remains balanced as it extends outward. A 150-tonne crane is being utilized to lift materials to the top of the pillars, with each concrete segment measuring between 2.5 to 3.175 metres in length and varying in thickness based on structural requirements.

At the Nagpur end, workers are preparing a 10.5-metre-long concrete platform, known as a hammerhead, atop a supporting pillar. Once this platform is ready, a specialized 40-tonne machine called a form traveller will be installed to assist in progressively casting the concrete sections toward the railway crossing. This technique is particularly advantageous in areas like Uppalwadi, where limited space for conventional construction exists due to nearby railway lines and traffic.

As the project enters the critical superstructure phase, construction is progressing in both day and night shifts. The completion of this bridge is essential for overcoming a significant railway-crossing challenge on the Kamptee route, ultimately improving Metro connectivity for commuters. Once operational, the Reach-2A corridor will extend the Nagpur Metro network beyond its current Phase I limits, enhancing accessibility for residents and travelers alike.