The Raipur-Bilaspur 4/6 lane tolled Expressway stands as a testament to Chhattisgarh’s growing infrastructure. This vital artery, linking the state capital with its industrial hub, has transformed transportation and economic prospects across the region.
Raipur-Bilaspur Expressway
Beutiful view
🔶 #Bilaspur _Urga section
Part of#Raipur #Bilaspur #Dhanbad #expressway
Source @Life_On__Wheels@NHAI_Official pic.twitter.com/TEXZEd0n4u— CG Rail&Infra🇮🇳 (@CGRailInfra) June 20, 2024
Envisioned as a catalyst for development, the expressway faced a challenging journey to fruition. Proposed in 2012, the project encountered significant hurdles, primarily due to land acquisition challenges and the financial instability of the initial contractor. However, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) demonstrated its commitment to the project by re-initiating it in 2016.
Three construction firms were subsequently tasked with realising this ambitious endeavour. After years of anticipation and construction, the 127-kilometre expressway was finally inaugurated in May 2019, at a substantial cost of ₹15.5 billion. For Chhattisgarh, this marked a pivotal moment, as the state had been yearning for such a crucial infrastructure upgrade since its inception in 2000.
Meticulously Engineered Infrastructure Project
Designed to accommodate heavy traffic, the expressway boasts a robust concrete pavement capable of supporting vehicles up to 20 tonnes. To enhance safety and driving experience, the highway incorporates a range of features, including seven bypasses to circumvent congested areas, two interchanges for efficient traffic flow, and three main toll plazas. For emergency situations, SOS booths are strategically located along the route, and CCTV cameras provide surveillance every five kilometres.
Moreover, the expressway prioritises pedestrian safety with 35 underpasses and caters to public transport with 15 bus bays. To accommodate the increasing volume of commercial traffic, two truck lay-by bays have been provided. The engineering marvel also includes three flyovers to facilitate smooth traffic movement and minimise congestion.
The construction of the expressway was divided into three distinct packages to expedite the project. The first phase focused on the 36-kilometre stretch between Bilaspur and Sargaon, establishing a four-lane corridor. The second phase tackled the Sargaon-Simga section, also comprising four lanes over a distance of 43 kilometres. The final and most challenging phase involved the 48-kilometre stretch between Simga and Raipur, which required the construction of both four and six-lane sections to accommodate the higher traffic volume closer to the state capital.
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Beyond its engineering brilliance, the Raipur-Bilaspur Expressway has emerged as a lifeline for Chhattisgarh. It serves as the backbone of the state’s transportation network, connecting the northern region with the capital city and facilitating seamless movement of people, goods, and services.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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