Surat, May 17 – In a significant infrastructure development, Surat Municipal Corporation’s Bridge Cell has commenced the construction of a new railway overbridge near Sachin GIDC on the Hazira-Palsana National Highway No. 53. This bridge, the first of its kind in Surat, will span 76 meters and utilize a bow-string girder design—an arched steel structure known for its strength and durability.
Weighing approximately 800 metric tons, the bridge is being constructed on-site. The civic body has approached the Railway Department for both power and traffic blocks to facilitate the launch of the structure over four active railway tracks—two operated by Mumbai Central and two by DFCC (Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation). The operation will require machinery to be stationed on the existing bridge during installation, with a launch window expected to span about 60 days.
As per agency report, the municipal authorities have requested two 30-day blocks from Western Railway and DFCC respectively. The railway department has tentatively agreed to allocate a three-hour block each day, considering the ongoing summer vacation period and the increased movement of trains.
During these scheduled blocks, traffic on the Sachin Satavala Overbridge will be temporarily halted to ensure safety. The traffic police have already issued a no-objection certificate (NOC), and alternative routes have been arranged to manage the flow of vehicles.
Vehicles traveling from Navsari to Surat city can turn right from Tulsi Hotel towards Suda, pass through Apparel Park, and use National Highway 53, crossing under the Satavala and Burdia overbridges before turning right towards the city. Those coming from Palsana to Surat will take the Satavala Overbridge on NH-53, pass under the Gabheni and Burdia overbridges, and then proceed rightward into the city.
Traffic from Navsari to Sachin GIDC will be rerouted via Sachin crossroads, taking a left over the Sachin railway station bridge and then a right from the Paligam Diamond Gate. Similarly, vehicles from Palsana to Sachin GIDC will proceed from Palsana T-Point via Sachin-Navsari main road, turning right from Sachin Char Rasta to the railway station bridge, and continuing through the Diamond Gate.
Vehicles from Burdia and Gabheni heading toward Sachin, Navsari, or Maroli are advised to bypass Gate No. 1 of Sachin GIDC and instead use the highway overbridge, turning right under it towards Apparel Park. Alternatively, vehicles may enter through Gate No. 1, pass via Laxmi Villa and Diamond Park, and head towards Sachin. Those coming from Un and going toward Palsana or Navsari can divert from Platinum Plaza via Bhanodra Overbridge to reach their destination.
Although temporary inconvenience is expected due to these traffic diversions and the bridge closure, authorities are hopeful that, with timely approvals from the railway department, the new bridge will be completed by Diwali. Once operational, the bridge is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion for commuters traveling between Surat and Navsari.
