The North Central Railway has completed the survey for a new rail bridge over the Yamuna River in Prayagraj, marking a significant step towards enhancing capacity on the busy Mumbai route. The proposed bridge will be built adjacent to the existing 160-year-old heritage structure, which has long served as a vital link in the region’s railway network.
The project is part of broader efforts to introduce doubling and a third line on one of India’s most congested corridors, aimed at improving operational efficiency and accommodating rising passenger and freight traffic. With the survey now finalised, land acquisition is expected to begin shortly, paving the way for the next stage of development.
Authorities have emphasised that the heritage bridge will remain intact and continue to be preserved. To ensure its structural safety, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has been tasked with monitoring the project. The institution will provide technical oversight, ensuring that the construction of new pillars does not obstruct the river’s natural flow or compromise the integrity of the historic bridge.
The new bridge is expected to play a critical role in streamlining rail operations, reducing congestion, and enabling smoother connectivity across the corridor. Officials have set an ambitious target of completing the project before the Kumbh Mela in 2031, when Prayagraj is set to host millions of pilgrims and visitors from across the country and abroad.
For the city and the railway network alike, the bridge represents both an infrastructural necessity and a strategic investment in the future. By balancing modern expansion with heritage preservation, the project aims to meet the dual goals of efficiency and cultural conservation.
