Indore (Madhya Pradesh): After a long wait of three years, Ralamandal Bridge on Bypass has finally been opened to traffic. Built at a cost of Rs 40 crore, the 800-metre-long bridge was completed nearly two years behind its original deadline.
Despite incomplete finishing work, the traffic has been allowed on the bridge after a trial. At present, only one lane from Mangliya towards Tejaji Nagar has been opened for vehicular movement, while the second lane remains closed. A trial run of traffic had been underway on the bridge for the past four days before it was partially opened.
The six-lane bridge project had started three years ago with an initial completion timeline of one year. Once fully operational, the bridge is expected to significantly ease traffic towards the Ralamandal and Tillore areas. Vehicles will be able to pass underneath the bridge to reach these localities, a route that earlier required long detours after the six-lane Bypass was constructed.
In the absence of a proper crossing, local villagers had earlier broken the median to create an informal passage, leading to frequent accidents. Even now, the bridge s dividers are not fully constructed, with sandbags placed at several spots. In addition, finishing work at multiple locations is still pending.
The Ralamandal Bridge spans 800 metres and is part of a broader plan to improve traffic flow on the Indore Bypass. Authorities have stated that the Arjun Barod and MR-10 Bypass bridges will also be opened to traffic, though it may take another three to four months.
Delays in the completion of the Arjun Barod bridge have often resulted in severe traffic congestion on the Bypass. About six months ago, a massive traffic jam lasting over 30 hours led to the deaths of three people, highlighting the urgent need for timely completion of these critical infrastructure projects.
