In a significant move to address chronic traffic woes, the Ministry of Railways has given its final approval for the construction of a major Road Over Bridge (ROB) in Bihar. The bridge will be built between Dighwara and Ambika Bhawani Halt, a segment falling under the Sonepur division of the East Central Railway (ECR).
A Long-Awaited Solution for Gridlock
The primary objective behind this crucial infrastructure project is to alleviate the severe traffic congestion at a busy railway level crossing, specifically gate number 16. According to Saraswati Chandra, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of ECR, the decision was driven by compelling data. A detailed traffic survey conducted in August 2021 revealed an astonishingly high volume at the crossing, recording 3,83,990 traffic vehicle units. This staggering number underscored the urgent necessity for an alternative route and the construction of the ROB.
Project Details and Enhanced Connectivity
The approved ROB is slated to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 124.78 crore. However, the railways' plan extends beyond just the overbridge. In a bid to ensure comprehensive mobility, the project also includes the construction of a low-height subway dedicated to pedestrians. This addition will guarantee the safe movement of local residents on foot, addressing all facets of daily commute.
Upon completion, the new bridge will offer a direct link to National Highway 31A, dramatically improving access to the vital Patna-Chhapra highway. CPRO Chandra highlighted that the benefits are multifold: "Besides, the new ROB is expected to reduce travel time, improve road safety and support economic activities in the region."
Public Relief and Regional Impact
The railway ministry's decision has been met with widespread approval from local residents and daily commuters, who have long endured frequent traffic snarls and extended waiting hours at the railway crossing. For them, this approval fulfills a persistent demand and promises much-needed relief.
A senior official from the Sonepur railway division emphasized the project's broader significance, stating it is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing overall connectivity and spurring infrastructure development in the area in the coming days. This project marks a critical step in decongesting a key transit point and fostering smoother economic and social movement in the region.
