First Phase of Rs332 Crore Ajni Laxman Jhula Bridge Likely to Miss Pre-Monsoon Deadline Nagpur: The first phase of the Rs332 crore Ajni Laxman Jhula bridge, a six-lane twin cable-stayed structure designed to replace the 125-year-old British-era Ajni railway overbridge (RoB), is expected to miss its pre-monsoon completion deadline. The project, managed by Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC), has faced multiple delays due to design modifications, complex construction over a busy railway line, and challenges in securing statutory approvals for the cable-stayed structure. The bridge, also known as “Laxman Jhula,” is being constructed in phases to accommodate two-way traffic on one side while the second carriageway is built after demolishing the existing RoB. MRIDC has completed two major abutments on either side of the railway tracks, with work on the central pylon currently underway. According to sources, two of the three supports for the bridge have been completed, while the middle pylon is expected to take approximately one month to finish. Pre-casting of slabs and preparation of girders are also progressing. Despite these advancements, significant work remains, and MRIDC has not yet announced a revised timeline. Sources suggest the first phase may now be completed by the end of the year, pushing back the original deadline of the pre-monsoon period. The existing Ajni RoB, located between Ajni and Khapri railway stations on the Nagpur-Wardha section of Central Railway, has long been a traffic bottleneck due to its outdated design. Construction of the replacement bridge began in April 2023, with the initial target for opening one side of the bridge set for October 2025.#nagpur #iit_bombay #ajni_laxman_jhula_bridge #ajni_railway_overbridge
