UP Government Plans 4-Lane Bridge Over Hindon River.

The Uttar Pradesh Bridge Corporation has initiated a survey for a new four-lane bridge over the Hindon River, aiming to improve connectivity between Siddharth Vihar, Pratap Vihar, Indirapuram, and Vaishali.

The proposed 300-meter bridge, planned downstream of the Hindon barrage, is expected to significantly cut travel time for residents who currently have to take long detours via GT Road, the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME), or National Highway 9 (NH9) to reach their destinations.

An official involved in the project said that a site inspection was conducted near the Hindon barrage in Vasundhara on Tuesday. "A preliminary report will now be submitted to the government. The new bridge is expected to have four lanes and will be built downstream of the Hindon barrage," the official stated.

The bridge is anticipated to ease traffic congestion on the four existing bridges near the Meerut trisection and Chhajarsi along the DME. The need for better connectivity has grown as Ghaziabad’s trans-Hindon areas—Indirapuram, Vaishali, and Vasundhara—have witnessed rapid urbanization over the last 15 years.

A bridge at the Meerut trisection, originally built seven decades ago, was shut down in 2017 after developing cracks and reopened in 2022 following extensive repairs. During the closure, a second bridge was constructed to accommodate traffic. Additionally, a new bridge connecting the Meerut trisection with Vasundhara was built in 2015 to handle rising commuter demand. The fourth bridge over the Hindon is part of the DME/NH9, catering to high-speed traffic. A narrow, single-lane bridge near the Hindon barrage is primarily used for water level monitoring.

Residents have welcomed the proposal. "Siddharth Vihar and Pratap Vihar are among the most populated areas of Ghaziabad, yet we have to take long detours to reach Indirapuram and Vaishali," said Ram Shankar Singh, a resident of Pratap Vihar. "A new bridge will reduce traffic burden on existing routes and improve connectivity in the region."

ET