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The INR 332 crore Ajni cable-stayed bridge project in Nagpur is set to miss its pre-monsoon completion target, with major structural work still pending. The project, being developed by Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC), is aimed at replacing the 125-year-old Ajni railway overbridge and easing traffic congestion between South and Central Nagpur. Although work on major supports and slab casting has progressed, construction of the central pylon and other engineering components is still underway. The project has already faced multiple deadline revisions due to design changes, approval delays and technical challenges linked to construction over an active railway corridor.
The first phase of the Ajni twin cable-stayed bridge project in Nagpur, commonly referred to as the ‘Laxman Jhula’ bridge, is unlikely to meet its revised pre-monsoon opening target as significant work remains unfinished at the construction site. The INR 332 crore infrastructure project is being developed to replace the ageing British-era Ajni railway overbridge, which has been facing increasing traffic load for several years. Advertisement
The project is being executed by Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC), also known as MahaRail. Construction work began in 2023 with the aim of improving traffic connectivity between South Nagpur and Central Nagpur. The bridge is being developed near the Ajni railway station corridor on the busy Nagpur-Wardha rail section of Central Railway.
Initially, authorities had planned to open one carriageway of the bridge by late 2025. However, the timeline was later shifted to early 2026 and then revised again to before the monsoon season. According to recent project updates, the latest target is also expected to be missed as multiple structural and finishing works are still in progress.
Under the first phase, one three-lane carriageway is being constructed alongside the existing bridge. This section is expected to temporarily handle two-way traffic once operational. After traffic is diverted, the old Ajni bridge will be demolished and work on the second carriageway will begin. Upon full completion, both carriageways will support separate one-way traffic movement.
Officials associated with the project stated that the two major bridge abutments on either side of the railway tracks have already been completed. Pre-casting work for slabs has also been finished, while girder preparation is currently underway. However, work on the central pylon — one of the key structural components of the cable-stayed bridge — is still ongoing and may require additional time.
The project has faced several execution challenges since construction started. These include technical difficulties linked to building over an operational railway corridor, changes in design plans due to nearby infrastructure development and delays in obtaining approvals for the cable-stayed structure. Reports also stated that the bridge design was prepared by a Taiwan-based consultant and later reviewed and approved by IIT Bombay due to the project’s engineering complexity.
The Ajni railway overbridge has long remained a major traffic bottleneck in Nagpur, particularly for commuters travelling between residential areas, railway zones and commercial pockets in the city. Authorities have continued construction activity without fully shutting the existing bridge in order to avoid major traffic diversions and daily disruption.
Apart from traffic improvement, the new bridge project also includes pedestrian pathways, architectural lighting and public utility features. Once completed, the structure is expected to become one of Nagpur’s key urban transport links and support smoother movement across the growing city corridor.
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