News Brief
Railways Plan 1.5 Km Double-Deck Bridge Over Yamuna In Prayagraj To Expand Delhi–Howrah Rail Capacity: Report
Arjun Brij
Mar 11, 2026, 12:21 PM | Updated 12:21 PM IST

Indian Railways is preparing to construct a new rail bridge across the Yamuna in Prayagraj as part of a broader plan to expand capacity along the busy Delhi–Howrah railway line, The Hindustan Times has reported.
The proposed structure will replace the historic Yamuna rail bridge, which has been in operation since 1865 and has served the city’s railway network for more than 150 years.
As rail traffic through Prayagraj continues to grow, authorities believe a modern replacement will be essential to prevent congestion and maintain operational efficiency.
The new bridge is expected to be designed as a double-deck structure, allowing two railway tracks to operate on the same platform and significantly increasing train capacity across the river.
According to Amit Malaviya of North Central Railway, experts from IIT Roorkee will soon begin a detailed survey to determine the precise location for construction.
“The IIT Roorkee experts will submit their report in the coming months, which will then be sent to the Railway Ministry for approval. Once clearance is granted and project details, including cost estimates, are finalised, construction will commence,” he was quoted as saying.
Preliminary plans indicate that the new bridge will likely be built between the existing Yamuna rail bridge and the old bridge. During the initial phase, only one track will be operational, while the second track will be activated later depending on traffic demand.
Spanning more than 1,500 metres, the structure will incorporate advanced engineering features designed to withstand earthquakes measuring between 7 and 8 on the Richter scale as well as severe cyclonic conditions.
Each pillar will be equipped with seismic arresters to absorb tremors, while specially engineered sliding materials and silicone grease will help ensure the bridge remains largely maintenance-free for nearly three decades.
The project is scheduled to be completed before the Kumbh Mela in 2031, ensuring smooth train operations during the massive influx of pilgrims expected during the event.
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Arjun Brij is a Newsroom Associate at Swarajya. He tweets at @arjun_brij




