Etawah: The new hanging bridge over the Chambal River, connecting Etawah in Uttar Pradesh to Bhind in Madhya Pradesh, is set to begin construction in the last week of January. This much-needed infrastructure project aims to replace the 50-year-old bridge, which has become prone to traffic disruptions due to damage sustained over the past 15 years. The new bridge, modeled after Mumbai’s Bandra-Worli Sea Link, will enhance connectivity and trade between the two states.
The bridge will span 594 meters in length and will be 14 meters wide, accommodating four lanes of traffic. At 130 meters high, the new structure will be 122 meters taller than the existing bridge, ensuring improved clearance and safety. The construction will utilize prefabricated parts, steel, concrete, and cables for the main span, making it more durable and reliable.
Additionally, a four-lane, 8.1 km road leading to the bridge from the Yamuna River will be constructed at a cost of Rs 166 crore, with the bridge itself costing Rs 130 crore. The project was approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2020. The upgrade will incorporate safety features like lamps and barriers for safer commuting.
The bridge will connect to the Chambhal Expressway in Madhya Pradesh, which links directly to Uttar Pradesh’s Bundelkhand Expressway, boosting traffic flow and commerce in the region. ASC Infratech Limited, based in Delhi, is responsible for the bridge’s construction, which had previously been delayed due to restrictions from the National Chambhal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary. However, with licenses obtained in July, construction is now ready to begin. The project is expected to be completed in two years.
