Kharun Bridge Repairs on NH-53 to Disrupt Raipur-Durg Commute from April 2026
Raipur: Commuters traveling between Raipur and Durg are set to face significant delays starting April 1, 2026, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launches a month-long repair project on the crucial Kharun river bridge on National Highway 53 (NH-53). The maintenance work, expected to last approximately one month, will enforce one-way traffic restrictions and diversions, potentially adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the usual 45-minute to one-hour commute by car.
Traffic Management and Diversion Plans Finalized
Authorities have finalized a comprehensive traffic diversion plan to manage the anticipated congestion on this vital link, which sees a daily traffic volume of nearly 1.5 lakh vehicles. The bridge, located near the Kumhari toll plaza, connects the two cities over a distance of about 35-40 km by road. Additional DCP (Traffic) Vivek Shukla, along with ACP Satish Thakur, ACP Seema Ahirwar, and officials from the NHAI and local police stations, inspected the repair site and diversion routes on Sunday to ensure preparedness.
During the repair period, traffic on the bridge will be restricted to one-way operations. The stretch from Kumhari toll plaza to Chandnidih has been designated as a one-way zone. Light vehicles, including cars and motorcycles traveling from Raipur to Durg, can take a left turn at Chandnidih village to use the old bridge (rapta) to reach the toll plaza or opt for the Bhatagaon-Amleshwar-Motipur route as an alternative.
Detailed Diversion Routes for Commuters
The Raipur Traffic Police has outlined specific diversion routes to minimize disruption:
- For Raipur Airport and Naya Raipur: Commuters heading towards the airport, Mantralaya, Police Headquarters, Arang, or Abhanpur should use the Selud-Patan-Abhanpur route.
- From Bhilai and Risali: Travelers from Durg, Bhilai, Risali, and Utai are advised to take the Selud-Phunda-Jamgaon-Motipur-Amleshwar route.
- From Charoda and Kumhari: Those traveling from Charoda and Bhilai-3 should use the Sirsa Gate-Motipur-Amleshwar road.
- Local Kumhari traffic: Commuters from Kumhari and Ahirwara may use the Kumhari-Urla-Khamariya-Amleshwar route.
Authorities Urge Patience and Compliance
Shukla emphasized that the travel time between Raipur and Durg is expected to slow down due to the one-way movement, with delays potentially extending by 15-20 minutes. To ensure a smooth flow of traffic, authorities will deploy 15-20 traffic personnel, assisted by volunteers from the concerned contractor. Commuters are urged to follow all traffic signs, avoid overtaking on the single-lane bridge, and factor in extra travel time, especially for essential services such as hospitals, airports, railway stations, or competitive examinations.
Notably, there are two parallel bridges over the Kharun river. Repairs will be conducted on one bridge at a time, with the other remaining operational. Once work on the first bridge is completed and it reopens to traffic, repairs on the second bridge will commence, as confirmed by Shukla. This phased approach aims to balance maintenance needs with minimal disruption to the high-traffic corridor.
