Central Railway (CR) achieved a major feat with the successful launching of a 500-tonne semi-through steel girder during a night block between Matunga and Kurla, bringing the long-awaited Sion Road Over Bridge (ROB) project closer to completion.
The girder launch forms part of the CSMT–Kurla 5th and 6th line project, one of the most significant railway capacity enhancement works in Mumbai. The operation involved positioning and launching a massive steel span over active railway tracks within a limited block period, making it one of the most challenging stages of the bridge reconstruction.
Fabricated in Ambala and assembled at site near the Kalyan-end approach, the girder was launched after completion of extensive preparatory works, including erection of temporary trestles, launching arrangements and alignment checks. The operation was executed smoothly despite the complexities associated with handling a structure of such size and weight in a densely built urban environment and over one of the busiest suburban rail corridors in the country.
Launching a 500-tonne steel girder across operational railway lines is considered a major engineering exercise, requiring meticulous planning, precise execution and close coordination among multiple technical teams. The successful completion of the launch marks a significant achievement in the reconstruction of the bridge, which has remained closed following concerns over the structural condition of the century-old structure.
The rebuilt ROB is being designed to accommodate the expanded railway corridor, with the span over the tracks increasing from about 40 metres to approximately 54.5 metres. The wider span will facilitate construction of additional railway lines and support future operational requirements.
With the girder now in place, work on deck slab construction, road surfacing, utility restoration, crash barriers and other finishing activities is expected to gather pace.
Once opened, the new Sion ROB will restore a crucial east-west road connection between the Eastern Express Highway, LBS Road and Dharavi Road, providing relief to thousands of commuters who have been dependent on longer alternative routes since closure of the old bridge.
The successful girder launch represents a significant engineering accomplishment and an important step forward in the delivery of a critical infrastructure project for Mumbai.
Share
Tweet
