6 days ago
Ambazari arch bridge completed in record 2 months, to open in 2 days
1
2
Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is set to open the newly constructed arch shaped bridge over the Nag river near Ambazari within the next two days, completing the project in a record time of just two months instead of 15-month deadline — well ahead of monsoon.
The new 25-metre-long single-span arch bridge — the first of its kind in the city — has been built without piers, allowing unhindered water flow beneath it. This zero-steel structure requires no maintenance, is corrosion-free, and has a lifespan of 125 years. It is designed to handle 70R highway loading, making it suitable for heavy traffic.
The bridge, which connects Ambazari ghat with North Ambazari Road, faced stiff opposition from local residents in April first week after NMC blocked a section of the riverbed with sand to build a temporary diversion.
The road was necessary to allow traffic access to the crematorium and to enable demolition of the old bridge.
Residents of Ambazari Layout feared that blocking the river could worsen flooding in the locality, citing the September 2023 flash floods as a grim reminder. Concerns were also raised about mosquito breeding, traffic congestion on narrow colony roads, and the potential for increased anti-social activity near the ghat.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
A work order for the new bridge was issued on March 25, the diversion road was constructed by April 2, and demolition of the old structure began on April 3. NMC's private contractor, Praful Deshmukh of Arch Infra Company, executed the construction swiftly using precast technology.
With a width of 11 metres and a 7.5-metre carriageway for two-way traffic as per PWD norms, the Rs3.08 crore project is nearly complete. Only finishing touches such as footpaths and side railings remain, and NMC officials said the bridge will be opened for traffic within the next 48 hours.
The temporary road laid on the riverbed — built by diverting a section of the Nag river — will also be dismantled by Sunday, restoring the river's natural flow. Officials say the absence of piers in the new bridge will help reduce flood risks in the future.
Residents have since approached the Dharampeth Zone office to seek assurances regarding long-term flood mitigation and traffic regulation. Zone officials promised to review their concerns, even as the city prepares to open one of its fastest-completed and most technically advanced bridges to the public.
