Kalyan’s 104-yr-old Patripul successfully dismantled

The bridge had 2 steel spans of 27m length, each weighing 60 tonnes; they were removed by two crawler cranes of 600 tonnes and 400 tonnes capacity

104 years old Patri Pul connecting Kalyan West and East side over one of the busiest railway lines in India was dismantled successfully on November 18.

The bridge had two steel spans of 27 metre length each, each weighing approximately 60 tonnes were removed by two crawler cranes of 600 tonnes and 400 tonnes capacity. Two major cranes of 120 tonne capacity were standby. The road surface was dismantled without any block earlier.

A team of 250-300 persons including 50 engineers, 200 workers and RPF personnel were on the job which started on time during the special traffic and power block operated for the same but ‘completed an hour before schedule’. The entire operation was also mapped and drone photographed for future reference.

The dismantled bridge was constructed in 1914. As the traffic over the bridge was ever increasing and the

A team of 250-300 persons, including 50 engineers, 200 workers and RPF personnel were on the job which started on time during the special traffic and power block operated for the same but ‘completed an hour before schedule’

bridge was nearing its codal life, another bridge was constructed in 2001. Safety audit was done by IIT Mumbai team in July 2018. It was suggested to dismantle the old bridge without delay. The preparation to dismantle the bridge was done earlier in September 2018 but postponed due to public demand for festivals.

During the block, Central Railway ran 178 special local services (earlier notified 120) between Kasarat/Karjat/Khopoli and Kalyan & between CSMT and Dombivali. Mumbai Division headed by Shri S.K. Jain, Divisional Railway Manager coordinated with KDMT who ran 106 special bus services every 10 - 15 minutes between Kalyan and Dombivali and also with MSRTC, which ran 126 special bus services for Pune and Nasik to compensate cancellation of intercity trains. Frequent announcements were made for the benefit of commuters. At Kalyan, Dombivali, Thakurli, Bhiwandi Road, Diva and Vithalwadi stations, 4 staff each were deployed to ensure all assistance to passengers at these stations.

Full co-operation was received from KDMC, Traffic police, BSNL, Tata Power for the block.

After the work was over, first express train passed the site at 14.40 hrs on 6th line. First suburban train at 14.50 hrs and traffic resumed on all lines from 15.00 hrs onwards. Central Railway Administration thank all for the continued support.