Udupi: Sluggish Progress -- Indrali Railway Overbridge faces further delays

Udupi: The construction of the Indrali Railway Overbridge, ongoing for the past five years, is far from completion despite the January 15, 2025, deadline. Key tasks such as girder alignment, welding, and concrete layering remain incomplete, requiring an additional 2-3 months to finish.

Contractors, who had assured project completion by the deadline in a formal agreement with local representatives at the police station, now face potential criminal charges for missing the deadline. Despite multiple instructions from the district administration, the pace of work remains sluggish.

Progress So Far

Currently, 80% of the girder alignment is complete, and one side of the bridge’s structure has taken shape. Tasks like installing the top cover, fabricating the central girder for the concrete road, and significant welding work remain pending.

Coordination Issues Between Departments

The lack of coordination between the National Highway Authority and the Railways has been a major roadblock. Though the girders were delivered a month ago, work did not commence immediately. Regular meetings led by district officials and representatives have failed to speed up the process due to delays in obtaining approvals from railway authorities.

Bridge Specifications

• Length: 58 meters
• Width: 12.5 meters
• Pedestrian Pathways: 1.5 meters on both sides
• Material: 240 tons of steel for girder fabrication

The railway department’s strict guidelines are cited as a significant reason for the delays. Every stage of girder fabrication and welding requires inspection and approval by the Railway Safety Commission and RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation).

Welding Work Underway

Currently, 7-8 workers are continuously engaged in welding tasks. Concrete slabs have been prepared for easier installation of the bridge, and prior structural components have been cleaned. Equipment for pulling the bridge into place is ready, but welding and girder assembly are still in progress.

Officials Speak

Dr. K. Vidyakumari, District Commissioner: “A review meeting on the bridge’s progress is scheduled for January 6. Efforts are being made to expedite the work to meet the deadline.”

Kota Srinivas Poojary, MP: “We have instructed the contractor to complete the work within the stipulated timeframe. Necessary actions are in place to ensure the project concludes swiftly.”