New Yamuna rail bridge set for full Delhi train operations

As reported by The Times of India, the New Yamuna rail bridge next to Delhi’s historic Loha Pul is now ready for train services. The project comes after years of delays and missed deadlines. Also, a Northern Railway official said a trial run had recently been completed. The official said clearance had also been obtained from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).

Train movement has already started in one direction. It is running from Delhi towards the Delhi-Shahdara section. Meanwhile, services for trains coming into Delhi are expected to begin shortly. Full operations on both sides are likely to start soon. Only the final technical procedures are still pending.

New Yamuna rail bridge and final launch steps

The official said non-interlocking work is still under way in some sections. It is needed to connect the bridge with signalling systems. “Once this is completed, the inauguration will follow,” the official said. In addition, the opening is expected later this month or early next month.

Don’t miss…Second Avenue Subway extension funding battle reaches court

After the CRS inspection, authorisation was granted for the cut-and-connection process. It is needed to begin traffic movement. Also, the 865-metre-long bridge was built at a cost of ₹227 crore. It is expected to significantly ease rail traffic.

Unlike the old Loha Pul, the new bridge does not impose speed restrictions on electric multiple unit (EMU) trains. At the same time, it has been built at a higher level over the Yamuna. This is to ensure uninterrupted operations during high floods.

Loha Pul, bridge design and operating conditions

The structure is designed with modern steel girders and bolted connections. It carries a double rail line. Also, it has been built to a 25-tonne loading standard. Officials said it underwent static load testing and “performed satisfactorily”.

The existing Yamuna bridge, widely known as Loha Pul, dates back to 1867. It has remained in use far beyond its intended lifespan. Meanwhile, the bridge has two decks. Road traffic uses the lower level. Trains run on the upper one. Because of its age, trains crossing it are subject to a speed restriction of 30 kmph.

The old bridge will remain in use for road traffic. Still, the new structure has been developed solely for train movement.

Salimgarh Fort delays and project history

As previously reported by Hindustan Times, construction of the new bridge was marked by prolonged delays. The project received approval in 1997-98. Work began in 2003. It was originally due for completion by 2007. Still, a series of obstacles prevented that.

One issue was the bridge’s proximity to Salimgarh Fort, which is a protected monument. A senior railway official said the alignment had to be changed. This was because part of the planned construction required land within the fort premises. In 2007, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) withdrew permission. It cited potential irreversible damage to the monument.

Later, in 2011, the alignment was revised on the basis of a report by the Cultural Impact Assessment Committee. For example, the revision was made so the fort area could be avoided. The ASI then granted fresh approval in 2012. This allowed work to resume.

With the main hurdles now resolved, the long-pending project is finally set to become operational.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit