The city of Prayagraj is poised for a significant upgrade to its transportation network. The state government has given the green light for the construction of a major new Railway Over Bridge (ROB) at Mauaima. This project, valued at a substantial Rs 124 crore, is specifically designed to tackle the persistent traffic snarls at a notoriously busy level crossing near the Mauaima railway station.
Project Details and Funding Breakdown
The proposed ROB will be an impressive 850 meters long, making it the longest such structure ever built by the railways in Prayagraj. The bridge will be situated approximately 50 meters from the existing railway crossing, offering a seamless alternative route. The funding and construction responsibilities are shared between two key agencies.
The Uttar Pradesh State Bridge Corporation will handle the construction of a 590-meter stretch, for which the state government has sanctioned Rs 54 crore. The remaining 260-meter section will be constructed by the railways at a cost of Rs 70 crore. The proposal for this crucial infrastructure was originally submitted by the Prayagraj unit of the State Bridge Corporation in November 2024.
Addressing a Critical Bottleneck
The need for this ROB is acute. Currently, the approach road leading to the Mauaima railway station is extremely narrow and feeds directly into the level crossing. This flawed design results in frequent and severe traffic congestion, causing daily inconvenience to thousands of commuters. The new overpass is expected to provide substantial relief by diverting vehicular traffic over the railway tracks, ensuring smooth flow and enhanced safety.
Timeline and Coordinated Efforts
The process is moving forward systematically. Senior officials from both the State Bridge Corporation and the railways are scheduled to conduct a joint inspection related to land acquisition by January 5. According to Rohit Kumar Mishra, project manager of the State Bridge Corporation, the actual land acquisition process is slated to begin after the festival of Makar Sankranti. Following this, acquisition and construction activities will be taken up in close coordination between the departments.
This project is part of a broader push to strengthen Prayagraj's connectivity. It follows the government's earlier approval of Rs 950 crore for the construction of the Salori-Hetapatti four-lane road. Together, these initiatives signal a renewed and focused effort on decongesting the city and improving its overall road infrastructure, promising a smoother commute for residents and visitors alike.
