The proposal for expansion of the Vani Vihar railway over-bridge (ROB) in the city has been approved at a high-level meeting chaired by the Works Department Secretary.
An alternative ROB would be constructed towards Tarini Slum near the existing ROB. The new ROB would connect to the service road of the Rasulgarh flyover. All vehicles coming from the Vani Vihar side shall take the alternative ROB to reach the service road near Rasulgarh Square.
The expansion work of the existing ROB would commence after construction of the new one. The project would be carried out by the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). Additional expenditure for the construction work was also approved at the meeting.
After completion of construction of the new ROB, traffic restriction would be imposed and is likely to remain in force for a period of one year.
The alternative ROB would also be used for movement of vehicles after the expansion work of the existing ROB. It is expected that the two ROBs would collectively help in easing traffic congestion at the spot. However, movement of vehicles from Rasulgarh towards Khordha would remain unaffected.
Notably, three-laning of the railway track from Barang to Khordha is underway, for which expansion of the Vani Vihar ROB is necessary. The project would cost Rs 40 crore. Eviction of the slum near the ROB is necessary for the expansion work.