Prayagraj: With the dismantling of the old key rail overbridge (ROB) linking GT Road with Khusrobagh and Lukerganj underway, traffic police on Wednesday streamlined vehicle movement on the Lukerganj ROB after assessing traffic volume on the stretch.As traffic on the old ROB has been completely halted, two-wheelers and other vehicles are being diverted through the adjacent Lukerganj ROB.DCP (traffic) Neeraj Pandey told TOI that extra traffic policemen and home guards have been assigned on the Lukerganj ROB to ensure smooth traffic flow.“As a large volume of two- and four-wheelers use this route to commute between the old city, Civil Lines and the High Court area, additional deployment has been made to streamline movement,” he said.Meanwhile, authorities have initiated the process to replace the ageing ROB on the busy Howrah–Delhi rail route. The old bridge near Panni-ki-Tanki had become structurally weak, prompting the dismantling exercise.With the old ROB closed, the Lukerganj ROB—constructed adjacent to it—is currently bearing the entire traffic burden between the old city and Civil Lines.The demolition of the 850-metre-long structure is expected to be completed within two months. Construction of the new ROB is slated to begin next month and is targeted for completion by May 2028.Built by the public works department in 1962 and later handed over to the bridge corporation in 1969, the old ROB had been in poor condition for several years. Movement of heavy vehicles on it was banned earlier, and only two-wheelers were allowed till April 10.Officials said the new ROB, once completed, is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and enhance safety on this busy corridor.
