HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, April 9: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has achieved an important milestone in the construction of new Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Panbazar, with the successful launching of a 60-meter Bow String Girder. This critical operation was executed flawlessly during a well-coordinated 3-hour traffic block on the night April 8.
The new ROB, once completed, will replace the earlier structure built in 1965, which has already been dismantled. The old ROB had long posed structural and operational challenges. With limited vertical and horizontal clearances, the old bridge enforced a permanent speed restriction of 15 km/h and created a “dead wire zone” affecting electric locomotive operations. Also, recurrent water-logging during heavy rains further disrupted train movements and passenger services in the vicinity. Designed to overcome these limitations, the new 60-meter span bridge will ensure enhanced clearances, eliminating speed restrictions and facilitating seamless movement of electric locomotives. Elevated track levels will mitigate water-logging issues, ensuring smooth operations even during the monsoon season.
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Beyond its technical upgrades, the project plays a strategic role in remodelling Guwahati station yard, paving the way for additional platforms and improved passenger amenities. The new three-lane wide carriageway—upgraded from the previous two-lane configuration—will ease road congestion and enhance urban traffic flow.
Despite spatial constraints near the Fire Brigade station impacting material storage and logistics, the project has advanced steadily till date. Key achievements include completion of foundational structures, fabrication and positioning of the bow string girders and innovative sub-soil strengthening through Geo-cell technology to ensure long-term durability and stability.
Regular inspections by authorised agencies have upheld stringent quality and safety standards throughout the construction process. NFR General Manager Shri Chetan Kumar Shrivastava personally reviewed the project’s progress and directed officials to ensure timely completion. With the successful girder launch, the ROB project now enters its final phase, set to significantly boost both rail and road connectivity in Guwahati.
