UP Governor Greenlights Construction of Two New Bridges in Pilibhit
In a significant development for infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, Governor Anandiben Patel has granted both financial and administrative approval for the construction of two new bridges on the Hardoi feeder canal of the Sharda river in Pilibhit district. These new structures will replace the aging British-era bridges known as Danga and Kalinagar, which were closed in early March last year due to the emergence of deep cracks on their surfaces.
Addressing Critical Transportation Disruptions
The closure of these bridges severely disrupted interstate traffic between Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as well as the crucial Pilibhit-Lucknow highway route that passes through Madhotanda. This move aims to restore and enhance connectivity in the region, addressing long-standing transportation challenges.
Official Communication and Financial Details
State Deputy Secretary Subas Ram issued two separate letters on Tuesday to the Lucknow-based Chief Engineer (Development) of the Public Works Department (PWD), formalizing the approval. According to the official communication, the Danga bridge will be constructed parallel to the existing structure with an allocated budget of Rs 25.8 crore. Meanwhile, the Kalinagar bridge project has been sanctioned Rs 27 crore.
Of the total approved construction costs, the first instalments have been earmarked for the 2025-26 financial year. Specifically, Rs 9 crore will be allocated for the Danga bridge and Rs 9.4 crore for the Kalinagar bridge, ensuring the initial phase of the project is adequately funded.
Execution and Project Management
District Magistrate Gyanendra Singh confirmed that the construction work will be carried out by the UP State Bridge Corporation, leveraging their expertise in infrastructure projects. Project Manager Brijendra Maurya provided insights into the technical aspects, noting that the measurements of the new bridges will be carefully matched with the old ones to ensure smooth canal discharge and maintain hydrological balance.
"Starting with the next phase, we will first finalize the design of the two bridges, which will be followed by the tendering process," Maurya stated. He added that early formalities are expected to be completed within two months before physical construction begins, indicating a streamlined approach to project implementation.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
Notably, nine bridges were originally constructed on the Hardoi branch canal in the 1920s during the British era. Among these, one bridge on the Pilibhit-Basti NH-730 was recently reconstructed and completed in February this year, highlighting ongoing efforts to modernize the region's infrastructure. The approval for the Danga and Kalinagar bridges represents a continuation of these revitalization initiatives, aimed at improving safety and efficiency for commuters and freight transport alike.
