Prayagraj,

26 March (HS): NCR has achieved another major milestone in its efforts to

strengthen North Central Railway's infrastructure and ensure enhanced speed and

safety in rail operations. The rehabilitation of two major old steel girder

bridges—Bridge No. 48 and Bridge No. 46—located on the Chopan-Chunar rail

section has been successfully completed.

Bridge No.

48: Elevated from ORN-2 Category; Work Completed in Record Time: Constructed

in 1953, Bridge No. 48 (comprising 8 spans)—which had been categorized as ORN-2

due to its dilapidated condition (specifically, bent girder stiffeners and

corrosion)—has now been completely transformed into a new and modern structure.

It is pertinent to note that, within Indian Railways, the term ORN-2 refers to

Category II bridge structures identified during inspections as requiring either

maintenance or rehabilitation.

As part of

this project, the old Broad Gauge Main Line (BGML) loading girders were removed

and replaced with modern 25-ton welded steel plate girders and H-beam steel

sleepers. Additionally, the bridge's sub-structure (piers) underwent concrete

jacketing, thereby significantly enhancing both its service life and

load-bearing capacity. This entire undertaking was executed through a special

drive conducted between March 12 and March 20, 2026, during which all 8 spans

were successfully replaced in record time.

Bridge No.

46: Modern Transformation of a 1953 Structure: Continuing the initiative, the

renovation of Bridge No. 46—a 06-span structure located within the

Chunar-Chopan section—was successfully completed in February 2026. This bridge,

too, was based on outdated standards from 1953, necessitating speed

restrictions for trains crossing it. Now, however, 25-ton welded steel girders

have been installed on this bridge as well, making it suitable for future heavy

freight trains and high-speed passenger trains.

Previously,

a permanent speed restriction of 30 kilometers per hour was imposed on these

bridges for safety reasons; this restriction will now be lifted. This will lead

to improved punctuality for trains. The installation of modern girders with a

25-ton loading capacity will facilitate the smooth operation of heavy freight

trains, thereby boosting the railway's revenue and logistical capabilities. Due

to modern steel sleepers and jacketing technology, the structural integrity of

these bridges now aligns with international safety standards. With the

completion of these works, the Prayagraj Division is now entirely free of

bridges classified under ORN-2 (a category requiring critical repairs).

This

achievement underscores the Ministry of Railways' commitment to 'Mission

Raftar' and the modernization of infrastructure. General Manager Naresh Pal

Singh has commended the team of engineers and workers who successfully

completed this complex task safely and within the stipulated timeframe. General

Manager Naresh Pal Singh specifically lauded the Bridge Line and Engineering

teams, as well as the staff of North Central Railway. This project was executed

under the guidance of Divisional Railway Manager Rajneesh Agarwal by Deputy Chief

Bridge Engineer I.P.S. Yadav and his team, with the active cooperation of

officials and staff from the Division's Engineering and Operations departments.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi