RoB first phase to be completed in August

KOCHI: The first phase of the reconstruction of the Ernakulam North Rail Overbridge (RoB) will be completed by August this year. With the Central government allocating `60 crore in the annual Budget presented on Friday, the authorities of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) which undertook the reconstruction of the RoB said that they are hopeful of completing the work within the stipulated time.“In the first phase, the existing motor bays will be dismantled and two single lane RoB will be constructed in their place. A total of 78 piles and 26 piers are required in the first phase. Out of the 78, piling works for 66 piles and six piers have been completed already. A total of 40 RCC girders are required for the reconstruction out of which  36 have already been cast in Manapattiparambu Casting Depot,” according to a statement issued by DMRC here on Friday.The RCC girders from Manapattiparambu were transported to the work site using tractor trailers during night time and eight RCC girders were launched on Thursday night. The girders were placed over the spans with the help of a 100 ton crane. There are a total of four spans on both sides of the RoB. The road was blocked and the girders were successfully placed.  “DMRC will take all efforts for speedy progress of the works so as to complete the first phase of the work, including the construction of foot over bridge before August,” the statement added.    Apart form this, a total of four steel girders are required over the railway span for the RoB and another two steel girders for the foot over bridge. This will be launched soon, it added.