Agra Metro: Innovative Pillar-less Steel Bridge at Rawli Crossing
UPMRC is nearing completion of a unique 60-meter pillar-less steel bridge at Rawli Crossing to ensure uninterrupted railway operations in Agra.
The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) is pushing the boundaries of engineering with a groundbreaking project in Agra. At the Rawli Railway Crossing, a massive, pillar-less steel bridge is being assembled to carry the upcoming metro tracks over active railway lines.
A Marvel of Engineering Design
The primary challenge of constructing metro infrastructure over existing railway lines is the risk of disrupting train schedules. To solve this, UPMRC has opted for a unique design that eliminates the need for supporting pillars directly on the tracks. This 60-meter-long and 11-meter-wide steel structure is specifically engineered to span the gap without interfering with the movement of trains below.
Precision Assembly in Progress
According to Panchanan Mishra, the Joint General Manager at UPMRC, the construction process is highly technical. The bridge is not a single unit but a complex assembly of 154 individual steel components. These components are being systematically joined together using a specialized trestle system.
Currently, the project is in its final assembly phase. Workers are focused on:
- Performing essential finishing touches on the steel structure.
- Securing every bolt across the entire span to ensure maximum stability.
The Rolling Technique Installation
Once the bolting and assembly are finalized, the bridge will undergo its most critical stage. Instead of traditional lifting methods that might require heavy machinery blocking the tracks, UPMRC plans to use a specialized "rolling technique."
This method will allow the entire massive structure to be installed over the railway tracks later this month. This approach ensures that railway operations remain completely uninterrupted, maintaining the flow of traffic in the Agra region while the metro project moves forward at a rapid pace.