₹175-Crore Plan: Parallel 3-Lane Bridge To Come Up First, Old Structure To Go Later

Madhya Pradesh's Indore is speeding up construction of a new Shastri Bridge, to be completed before the Simhastha 2028 in Ujjain. MP Shankar Lalwani revealed that the Indore Development Authority (IDA) will construct a parallel three-lane bridge first, allowing ongoing traffic on the existing bridge. Once the new bridge is operational, the current one will be dismantled.

The project will proceed in two phases, with efforts to open the parallel bridge to traffic before Simhastha 2028, followed by demolition of the existing structure and completion of the remaining work in the second phase. The new bridge will surpass the current one in height and accommodate future traffic demands. The estimated cost for reconstruction and associated development works stands at approximately Rs 175 crore.

Lalwani emphasized that every effort would be made to ensure the new bridge's operation before Simhastha 2028, highlighting the priority of upgrading Indore's infrastructure to meet future needs. The proposal has been presented to IDA, with IDA CEO Parikshit Sanjay Rao Jhade instructing the survey agency to commence work immediately.

The survey will ascertain the bridge's alignment, structure, height, width, and traffic-management plan. The Railways will oversee the section within railway territory, while IDA will execute the bridge construction to ensure adherence to technical and safety standards.