New bridge to replace old steel girder one at Kolaghat

Aiming to enhance rail connectivity, the South Eastern Railway (SER) is constructing a new bridge to replace the old Kolaghat bridge over the Rupnarayan river in Kharagpur at a cost of Rs 481 crore.

The old Kolaghat bridge was opened in 1900 and has served as a vital link of SER, providing connectivity to Howrah and Kolkata to different parts of the country. This 804-metre long iconic steel girder bridge has served as a major railway asset for the past 125 years. However, it has completed its codal life (estimated or standard service life) and needs replacement. Given the situation, the SER decided to replace the bridge. The new bridge will replace the old Kolaghat Bridge No 57 over which the middle line and down main line currently runs and lies between Deulti and Kolaghat stations of SER.

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As learnt from the official railway sources, the new structure will be constructed at a cost of Rs 481.11 crore involving the down main middle lines. This bridge, with viaduct, will be a combination of composite and open-web girder bridge. Apart from the bridge, this work will also include the development of Kolaghat station with construction of elevated platforms on a diverted alignment. This new bridge is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2027 and will be in service for at least the next 100 years.

The construction of a new bridge and the completion of the shelf life of the old bridge is having some impact on the train running and operational flexibility in this important Howrah-Kharagpur Section of SER. Presently running of freight trains and most of the mail/ express and passenger trains is prohibited on down main line over the old bridge. This results in running of all down trains, including the entire fleet of goods train, mail/ express trains, other passenger trains and suburban locals through the main line resulting in traffic congestion on down main line. Only a few passenger carrying trains are allowed to run over the down main line with a speed restriction of 30 kmph.

The use of two lines across the bridge in this three line section creates a bottleneck and leads to congestion during peak hours in the busy Howrah- Kharagpur Section.

To run all Down trains through the middle line, which has the provision of reversible signalling, involves complex train operations of diversions on stations located at both ends of the bridge. These extra movements also lead to sectional congestion and delay in train running.

Efforts are being put up presently by the authorities to ensure safe and seamless movement of trains. The construction of the new bridge will enhance the safety and lead to improved mobility in train operation and provide a comfortable journey to the passengers.