The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has secured the necessary approval from the railways to commence the central portion works of the new three-lane Edappally railway overbridge (ROB) in Kochi. The authority aims to open this key infrastructure facility to traffic by the end of June.
Central Portion Works and Timelines
According to a senior NHAI official, the central portion works involve the placement of a deck slab over the railway lines. This will commence as soon as the railways enforce traffic regulations to facilitate the work. While the prefabricated deck slab can be positioned in just three days, the remaining tasks—including the construction of a pillar and approach roads on both sides—are expected to be completed within two months. The existing two-way ROB will continue to be used during this period.
Site Inspection and Night Construction
Railway officials conducted a site inspection on Thursday and are expected to communicate the work period to NHAI after formulating a traffic regulation plan. To minimize disruption to the busy rail corridor, construction activities will primarily be carried out at night.
Technical Specifications of the New ROB
The new Edappally ROB will measure 607 meters in length and 15 meters in width. It will feature 25 spans, including 11 spans of 21.6 meters, 3 spans of 30 meters, and a railway span of 63.48 meters. The railway span incorporates a bowstring girder, which is the main highlight of the structure. Earlier, this span was prefabricated in New Delhi and transported to Kochi, where it was assembled. Engineers will now 'launch' the deck slab by sliding it over the tracks to connect both sides of the highway.
Project Background and Delays
Preliminary construction works of the ROB began on March 18, 2023, but the project faced delays due to pending railway approval. The Edappally ROB is a critical component of the NH-66 road widening activities on the 26.3-kilometer Edappally-Moothakunnam stretch. In addition to the ROB, this stretch will include eight major bridges, 18 vehicle underpasses, 8 minor bridges, and four flyovers.
