Surat, currently poised as India’s “bridge city” with the maximum number of overpasses, is set to boast its 118th bridge soon. The 2,643 meters bridge has been built at a cost of Rs 138 crore. Nearly 1.5 million people are expected to benefit from its relief value from traffic. The bridge will make possible crossing the railway line directly from Ring Road Flyover to Surat-Kadodra Road.
To enable the approach to this new bridge, a separate ramp has been provided headed to Surat-Kamaraj Road through Varachha area of the city. This will help align traffic going from the railway station to Surat-Kadodra Road.
According to the Surat civic body’s standing committee chairman, Paresh Patel: “This bridge is the longest railway overbridge in Gujarat. The bridge provides connectivity to the highway from Varachha Kamaraj and APMC Market to Kadodra. We are also hoping that the commute ease helps emergency patients who have to be rushed to Schmeier Hospital.”
The aesthetically designed bridge is a strong structure. At 6 meters wide, it is expected to ensure free flow of multi-lane traffic. In fact, traders in the city are looking forward to the promise of renewed business. “Textile markets dotted on the Ring Road were a huge thrust to Surat’s prominence as textile hub. In the 40 years ago since, allied industries such as weaving, dyeing, printing and embroidery have sprung up. The textile markets around Sahara Gate on Ring Road greatly benefitted from the Sahara Darwaza. However, congestion and population have led to a slow-down in commute in this pocket. We hope that this new addition helps with growth of trade and commerce,” seemed to be the chorus from textile traders interviewed.
The Sahara Darwaza is nearly 1,870 m in length. At 2,643, the new, yet-to-be-named bridge, is clearly Gujarat’s longest overpass.
