New Delhi, 24 September (H.S.): Indian Railways has approved the construction of a four-lane Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Alkapuri in the Vadodara division at an estimated cost of Rs 166.5 crore. The cost of the project will be shared equally by the Railways and the state government.

The new ROB will provide additional and improved road connectivity, replacing the existing Alkapuri Road Under Bridge (RUB). According to the Ministry of Railways, both sides will contribute approximately Rs 83.2769 crore each towards the project.

The ROB is expected to ease road traffic around Vadodara railway station and strengthen connectivity between the Alkapuri and Kalaghoda areas.

The existing RUB, which has a clearance of around three metres, restricts the movement of larger vehicles. Waterlogging during the monsoon also frequently disrupts traffic in the area.

According to the Railways, peak-hour traffic in the area exceeds 1,600 Passenger Car Units (PCUs) per hour. The area also has several traffic conflict points and inadequate pedestrian facilities. As a result, the existing RUB is no longer considered adequate to meet current and projected traffic requirements.

The four-lane grade-separated ROB will provide improved road-crossing facilities without affecting railway operations. It will also enhance connectivity to Vadodara railway station, the GSRTC bus station and the proposed high-speed rail station.

The Railways said the project would strengthen road connectivity around Vadodara railway station and help address the capacity and functional limitations associated with the existing RUB.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar