Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, May 14: The installation of the bowstring girder for the railway overbridge at Indrali, located on National Highway 169A connecting Udupi and Manipal, was successfully completed by the evening of May 13. The steel girder bridge installation began at 11:30 am on May 12, with prior approval from the railway department.
The steel girder bridge, measuring 60 meters in length and weighing approximately 450 metric tons, had been under construction for the past year near the Indrali petrol pump along the highway. The welding of the massive structure was carried out meticulously over this period.
Once completed, the bridge was shifted to its final position using ‘Gribs’ technology. Segments of the bridge were mounted with gribs stacked one above the other, and railway-like tracks were laid on top to guide and pull the girder bridge to the opposite end using machinery.
With railway tracks passing several feet below, the girder was carefully aligned and connected to pre-prepared concrete slabs on both sides of the bridge. The girder joining work was paused temporarily during train movements to ensure safety.
The entire operation was conducted with high safety standards and completed within two days.
“I visited the site on the first day and reviewed the progress. Some minor technical tasks are pending, and after proper alignment, a concrete road surface will be laid on top of the bridge,” said MP Kota Srinivas Poojary.