Bhubaneswar: The construction of a 36-metre long road under bridge (RUB) between Titlagarh and Kesinga stations in Sambalpur has been completed, putting an end to the inconvenience faced by the locals due to the frequent closure of the level crossing on the National Highway-26.
There was a long standing demand for the RUB at Level Crossing No- RV-172.
The RUB work was completed with seven hours of traffic block for insertion of 48 pre-cast RCC twin boxes below the track. Though the work for construction of road over-bridge (ROB) was sanctioned in 2016 in lieu of LC No- RV-172 and the same was to be constructed by NHAI, the work could not be taken up due to land acquisition issues.
Hence, the state government had requested the Railways for construction of RUB and gave consent to bear the cost for the same. The estimated cost of RUB is Rs 13.37 crore. The Railways took up the work on priority basis and completed the work in six months and it is well before the deadline – February 28.
The Railways finalised the tender expeditiously and completed casting of 48 box segments and 10 pre-cast retaining walls within a short span of four months in spite of Covid-19 restrictions. The traffic block was also arranged by East Coast Railway (ECoR) on priority basis and insertion of boxes below the track was completed successfully.
ECoR General Manager Vidya Bhushan said with the successful completion of above launching work, the ECoR once again reaffirms its commitment and dedication towards finalisation of public projects. Successful completion of the above project will go a long way in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Kesinga as well as Kalahandi.