MP's 900m long rail bridge on Narmada set to be ready in 10 months at Mhow

The initiation of the conversion of the Mhow-Sanawad metre gauge rail section, which represents the final segment of the Ratlam-Fatehabad-Indore-Mhow-Khandwa broad gauge project, into a broad gauge line has commenced at ground level. It has been revealed that distinct tenders are currently under preparation for the installation of broad gauge lines along the new route between Mhow-Sanawad. As part of this ongoing process, the construction of a 900-meter-long broad gauge bridge over the Narmada River in Mortakka is progressing rapidly. Simultaneously, the dismantling of the old bridge from the Holkar period is also underway. It has been reported that the new bridge will be supported by 16 pillars, and the erection of these pillars has already begun. The anticipated maximum height of the pillars is expected to reach up to 35 metres. According to Nagesh Namjoshi, an expert in the railway domain, the completion of this bridge is projected to take place around September 2024. Despite the swift progress, the construction activities are facing hindrances due to the recurrent discharge of water from the Omkareshwar Dam. Following the lifting of the model code of conduct, a tender for the Barwaha-Balwara section is set to be issued. A new station will be constructed at the current location of the Omkareshwar Road station after its dismantling, along with the creation of an underpass beneath the existing railway gate, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion. The Mhow-Sanawad project is advancing through the issuance of separate tenders. According to the revised alignment of the Mhow-Sanawad broad gauge line, the track will be diverted from Patalpani.