The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has rejected a key proposal for six-laning of the Ring Road in Cuttack, citing serious concerns over the safety of an existing railway bridge. In a letter issued from the office of the principal chief engineer in Bhubaneswar on April 27, railway authorities informed the superintending engineer of the Roads and Buildings (R&B) division in Cuttack that the submitted plan for the road expansion from Khannagar to Link Road is "not technically acceptable."
Specific Concerns Raised
The rejection specifically pertains to the proposed Road Under Bridge (RUB) section between piers P-22 and P-28. According to the chief bridge engineer, the plan would reduce the existing waterway between critical bridge piers, which could affect hydraulic flow and structural integrity.
Hydraulic and Structural Risks
The railway highlighted multiple risks, including increased flood afflux that could endanger the bridge and its embankments, as well as intensified scouring around existing piers. It also warned of disturbances in flow patterns, potentially leading to eddies and turbulence that may exert uneven pressure on the structure, raising the risk of tilting or settlement.
Additionally, the construction activity, particularly pile driving for the road structure, could impose extra lateral forces on the bridge foundations, further compromising stability. "The waterway of a railway bridge is designed for a specific discharge and flow pattern. Any obstruction alters this balance and poses safety risks," said a senior ECoR officer.
Next Steps
Given these concerns, the railway authority has asked the state engineering wing in Cuttack to explore alternative designs that do not interfere with the existing bridge waterway. The development may delay the ambitious ring road expansion project, which is aimed at easing traffic congestion in the city.
