Construction of a 24-meter Span Bridge to Replace a Damaged Bridge at Chainage 9.375 of the Ghansali-Tilwada Motor Road (SH-15), Bhatwari Block.

Location

The project is located at Chainage 9.375 of the Ghansali-Tilwada Motor Road (State Highway 15) in the Bhatwari development block, District Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.

Background and Problem Statement

The original 13-meter span RCC bridge at this location was completely destroyed and washed away by a devastating flood on July 18, 2021. To maintain connectivity, a temporary Bailey bridge was installed. However, this road serves as a primary alternative route for the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage. The high volume of traffic during the pilgrimage season puts immense pressure on the temporary structure, leading to frequent and severe traffic congestion at the crossing.

Project Concept and Need

This project has been conceived to restore permanent and robust connectivity on this critical route. The objective is to construct a new, more resilient 24-meter span bridge that can handle the high traffic volume, especially during the pilgrimage season, and prevent the recurring traffic jams that currently plague the area. This will ensure smoother and safer transit for both pilgrims and local residents.

Key Components and Features

The core component of this project is the construction of a new 24-meter span permanent bridge. This structure is designed to be significantly more durable and weather-resilient than the one it replaces, addressing the vulnerabilities exposed by the 2021 flood. Its enhanced capacity is a key feature, aimed directly at alleviating traffic bottlenecks.

Beneficiaries and Coverage

The primary beneficiaries are pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra, particularly those traveling from Gangotri towards Kedarnath and Badrinath. Additionally, local residents of the Uttarkashi, Tehri and Rudraprayag districts will benefit from the improved, all-weather connectivity.

Expected Benefits and Outcomes

The construction of this bridge will provide a significant strategic advantage for regional travel. It will shorten the travel distance for pilgrims from Uttarkashi to Tilwada (Rudraprayag) to 165 km, compared to the 235 km route via National Highway 34. This will result in considerable savings of time and fuel for travelers. It will also enhance road safety and reduce travel uncertainty.

Current Status of the Project

The project has received first-phase administrative and financial approval as of November 12, 2021, under the Chief Minister's announcements. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared and is currently undergoing vetting with the PWD Design Cell in Dehradun. The process of land acquisition for the approach roads is underway at the block level.

Implementation Plan / Next Steps

The next steps involve finalizing the DPR after addressing comments from the design cell and completing the land acquisition process. Following these approvals, the project will move to the tendering and execution phase.

Conclusion

This project is crucial for strengthening the road infrastructure in a strategic pilgrimage corridor. By constructing a permanent bridge, it will not only restore a vital link but also significantly improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and provide a shorter, more economical route for thousands of pilgrims and local commuters, thereby boosting regional connectivity and resilience.

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