• Member
• August 7, 2025

RAIL OVER RAIL FLYOVER

Longitudinal rail-over-rail bridges are highly desirable in cities with multiple stations and yards, like Varanasi, to overcome movement restrictions. They offer a solution to urban congestion and operational bottlenecks by creating a grade-separated corridor for trains.

Addressing Urban Congestion and Logistics

Cities like Varanasi have a dense network of railway lines, including multiple stations and extensive yards. This network creates a physical barrier that restricts the movement of people and vehicles. Level crossings are the primary points of friction. They close frequently for passing trains, causing significant traffic jams, delays, and safety risks.

A longitudinal rail-over-rail bridge elevates a portion of the railway line, effectively creating a dedicated elevated corridor. This design allows for the seamless movement of trains on the upper level while the ground-level space is freed up for other uses.

Benefits of a Longitudinal Design

• Elimination of Level Crossings: By creating an elevated railway corridor, a longitudinal bridge can eliminate numerous at-grade crossings along its length. This is a far more comprehensive solution than building individual flyovers at each crossing, as it addresses a continuous stretch of railway tracks.
• Increased Rail Capacity: The elevated track adds a new railway line without requiring additional land acquisition on the ground. This is crucial in dense urban areas where space is limited. The new line can be used for dedicated freight traffic or for faster passenger trains, increasing the overall capacity and efficiency of the network.
• Improved Urban Mobility: With fewer or no level crossings, road traffic can flow continuously. This reduces travel times, lowers fuel consumption, and improves the response time of emergency services. The space beneath the elevated tracks can also be used for urban green spaces, parking, or public transportation hubs.
• Enhanced Safety: Separating train movements from road and pedestrian traffic drastically reduces the risk of accidents. It provides a safer environment for everyone and reduces the need for extensive safety infrastructure at multiple points.

In essence, a longitudinal rail-over-rail bridge acts as a long, elevated flyover for trains. It's a strategic infrastructure solution that untangles the complex web of urban railways, roads, and yards, providing a long-term fix for a city's mobility challenges.