Surat: In the city known as the “Bridge City,” fresh infrastructure initiatives are underway to strengthen connectivity through new flyovers, creek bridges, and railway bridges. As part of these developments, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has initiated steps to construct a new creek bridge near the Variav Y-Junction at an estimated cost of Rs 13.78 crore. The proposed bridge aims to provide additional connectivity between Town Planning (TP) Scheme No. 37 (Variav) and the Outer Ring Road, easing traffic congestion in the area.

The Bridge Cell of the civic body has begun preparatory work on the project. With administrative approval granted by the authorities, further procedural steps will now move forward.

In the Rander zone, under TP Scheme No. 37 (Variav), the proposed bridge will be constructed over a creek passing through a 30-metre-wide TP road connecting the Variav Y-Junction to the Outer Ring Road. A consultancy firm was assigned the task of conducting a feasibility study and preparing designs, drawings, and cost estimates. Following a positive feasibility report, the project estimate has been finalised at Rs 13.78 crore.

According to the plan, a four-lane high-level creek bridge will be constructed, covering an area of 3,342 square metres. On the eastern side of the proposed bridge lies an RCC stormwater box line, while on the western side there are existing floodgate structures along with a 900 mm diameter pipeline laid under the Tapi purification project and a 250 mm diameter drainage main line.

Due to the significant depth of the RCC stormwater box line and drainage pipelines laid under the Tapi purification project, these utilities cannot be shifted, as informed by the concerned zonal department through official communication. Any other obstructions related to the proposed bridge work will be addressed by the respective departments and agencies.

Additionally, the estimate includes approximately Rs 1.50 crore for shifting high-tension electricity lines and GEB poles, as well as other service lines that may obstruct the widening of approach roads on both sides of the bridge.

With the project estimate now approved, the administrative process for floating tenders for the creek bridge will proceed shortly. DeshGujarat