Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Apr 16: The long-delayed Indrali railway overbridge project, which has seen slow progress for over seven years, has now entered its final stage. As part of the crucial girder installation process, the launching of steel girders began on April 15.
On April 16, Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary visited the site to inspect the ongoing work. Addressing the media, he said, “I have inspected the girder installation work, which is progressing well. The girders have been placed on the crib. We expect the RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organization) team to inspect the site within a week. We are hopeful that the girder installation and related tasks will be completed by the end of this month. Once the railway engineering work is done, only civil works will remain. We are committed to completing this project at the earliest.”
On the first day of girder launching, approximately 12 meters were covered. According to officials, moving just one meter of the girder takes around 20 minutes. On Wednesday, April 16, the team planned to move another 10 meters, allowing the girders to reach the railway track. Since the girders will pass over the railway line, coordination with railway officials is essential. Prior to proceeding further, railway authorities will inspect the site and provide instructions regarding traffic management.
The girders are being moved with utmost caution using modern equipment and strict adherence to safety protocols. Each time, only 1 to 2 meters of girder is moved. A senior official explained that hydraulic jacks, rollers, and other specialised equipment are being used to slide the girder along an iron track.
Given that each steel girder weighs around 450 tons, it is not feasible to lift or pull it abruptly using cranes. Therefore, only a few meters can be moved each day. After each shift, safety checks are conducted. The joining process is technically complex. Once completed, concrete work on the upper portion of the bridge will begin, an engineer informed.
Speaking to the media, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary reiterated, “I have inspected the girder installation work, which has already begun. The girders have been placed on the crib. We expect the RDSO team to visit and conduct the inspection within a week. Hopefully, girder installation and related tasks will be completed by this month. Railway engineering works will conclude soon, leaving only the civil works. We are working hard to complete the project at the earliest.”
Additional deputy commissioner Abid Gadyal, officials from the railway department and National Highways Authority, Udupi municipal councillor Girish Anchan, and others were also present during the inspection.