Indian Railways sanctions Rs 223.58 Crore Adra Bridge project

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur: Indian Railways has approved a major infrastructure project worth Rs 223.58 Crore for the reconstruction and strengthening of Bridge No. 520 (UP & DN) in the Madhukunda–Damodar section under the South Eastern Railway’s Adra Division. The project includes the rebuilding of the bridge’s substructure, along with associated yard remodeling and track improvement works in the approach areas.

The existing Damodar Bridge, originally constructed in 1965 for the UP line and as early as 1903 for the DN line, has significantly deteriorated over time and is showing signs of structural distress. The reconstruction aims to enhance safety and ensure long-term operational reliability.

This rail section serves as a crucial link between Asansol and Tatanagar and is part of an important Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) feeder route. It also forms a key segment of the Sini–Purulia–Asansol coal corridor, handling a high traffic density of 67 Gross Million Tonnes (GMT).

Once completed, the project is expected to improve freight movement efficiency and strengthen connectivity for major industries in the Durgapur–Asansol belt, including IISCO, ACC Cement plants, and several thermal power units.