Prayagraj: The North Central Railway has completed the rehabilitation of all bridges in the Prayagraj Division that were earlier classified under the ORN-2 category, marking a significant milestone in infrastructure modernization and safety enhancement.

As part of this effort, two major steel girder bridges—Bridge No. 48 and Bridge No. 46—on the Chopan–Chunar rail section have been successfully upgraded, improving operational efficiency and eliminating long-standing speed restrictions.

Bridge No. 48, originally constructed in 1953, has undergone a complete transformation. The eight-span structure was previously categorized under ORN-2 due to structural deterioration, including corroded components and bent girder stiffeners. Under a special drive conducted between March 12 and March 20, 2026, the bridge was rebuilt in record time. The old girders were replaced with modern 25-ton welded steel plate girders and H-beam steel sleepers, while concrete jacketing was applied to the piers to enhance strength and durability.

Similarly, Bridge No. 46, a six-span structure on the same route, was upgraded in February 2026. Built to older engineering standards, it had earlier imposed operational limitations, including speed restrictions. With the installation of new 25-ton capacity welded steel girders, the bridge is now equipped to handle heavier freight loads and higher-speed passenger trains.

With the completion of these works, the earlier speed restriction of 30 kmph on both bridges will be lifted, improving train punctuality and overall line capacity. The upgraded infrastructure is also expected to support smoother movement of heavy freight trains, boosting logistics efficiency and railway revenues.

Railway officials stated that the use of modern steel sleepers and advanced jacketing techniques has brought the structural safety of these bridges in line with international standards. The Prayagraj Division is now fully free from bridges requiring critical rehabilitation under the ORN-2 classification.

The achievement aligns with the Mission Raftaar initiative aimed at increasing speed and efficiency across the rail network.

General Manager Naresh Pal Singh commended the engineering teams for completing the complex project safely and within stipulated timelines. The work was carried out under the guidance of Divisional Railway Manager Rajneesh Agarwal and led by Deputy Chief Bridge Engineer I. P. S. Yadav, with coordinated efforts from the Engineering and Operations departments.

Railway bridges with an ORN-1 rating require immediate rebuilding or rehabilitation, ORN-2-rated bridges are to be rebuilt or rehabilitated on a planned basis, and ORN-3 bridges require major or special repairs. DeshBharat