Indian Railways Plans Modern Yamuna Rail Bridge In Prayagraj To Replace 150 Year Old Structure

Prayagraj, March 9: Indian Railways has proposed the construction of a new railway bridge across the Yamuna River in Prayagraj as part of a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at easing increasing rail traffic on one of the country’s busiest routes.

The new bridge is intended to eventually replace the existing Yamuna rail bridge, which was commissioned in 1865 and has been serving trains for more than a century and a half. Railway authorities expect the historic structure to be phased out in the coming decades as traffic demands continue to rise.

According to officials, the planned bridge will feature a modern double-deck design that will allow trains to run in both directions on the same structure, helping reduce congestion along the busy Delhi–Howrah Main Line.

A site survey for the project will soon be carried out by experts from Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee to determine the most suitable location for construction. Once the technical report is completed, it will be submitted to the Ministry of Railways for approval, after which the final project cost and construction timeline will be decided.

Railway officials said the new structure is expected to be built between the current Yamuna bridge and the older rail bridge. In the initial phase, only one track will be made operational, while the second track will be added later depending on future traffic requirements.

Preliminary plans indicate that the bridge will extend more than 1,500 metres and incorporate advanced engineering features. The structure is being designed to withstand earthquakes of magnitude 7 to 8 on the Richter scale as well as strong cyclonic conditions. Each pillar will be fitted with seismic arresters to absorb vibrations during earthquakes.

Engineers also plan to use specialised sliding materials and silicone-based components to reduce friction and maintenance needs, allowing the bridge to remain largely maintenance-free for nearly three decades.

Authorities aim to complete the project before the Kumbh Mela scheduled in 2031, when the city is expected to witness a massive influx of pilgrims and visitors.

Once finished, the structure will become the second railway bridge in the city with two tracks placed on a single girder, similar to the Daraganj–Jhunsi Ganga rail bridge. Railway planners say the new bridge has been designed to handle rising passenger demand and a potential doubling of train operations by 2050.