Soil testing begins for new four-lane Ganga bridge

Prayagraj: Work on the proposed four-lane bridge over the Ganga connecting Salori (Baghada) to Hetapatti has started with soil testing at the project site.According to project director of the Uttar Pradesh State Bridge Corporation (Setu Nigam), Rohit Mishra, the machinery has been deployed on the trans-Ganga side at Hetapatti to carry out geotechnical investigation and soil analysis.“This phase is crucial for assessing the bearing capacity and structural suitability of the riverbed soil before the construction of bridge pillars begins. Soil testing of the riverbed is extremely important because it determines the strength and stability of the foundation on which the entire bridge will stand. Any error can affect the long-term safety and durability of the structure, so this process ensures that the design is technically sound and risk-free,” he said.He further said actual construction work, including pillar erection, will commence only after completion of soil testing and all required technical approvals.The proposed bridge will span more than 3,200m across the Ganga River and has been awarded to the Delhi-based firm LLC Spares and Anil Associates. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 952 crore of which state govt has released Rs 300 crore in Jan.The project is expected to be completed within three to four years.The bridge proposal was approved in a cabinet meeting linked to Maha Kumbh-2025, chaired by chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Jan 22 in the Sangam area. Once completed, the bridge will significantly improve connectivity between Salori and Hetapatti, benefiting commuters from Sahson, Brahariya, Phulpur and Pratappur regions.