3,675 rly bridges repaired during 2012-17

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New Delhi : As on April 1, 2017, there are 1,44,698 Railway Bridges of varying ages on Indian Railways’ network. There is a well-established system of inspection of railway bridges in Indian Railways.  All the bridges are inspected at least twice a year, one before the onset of monsoon and one detailed inspection after the monsoon by the designated officials. In addition, certain bridges are also inspected more frequently depending on their condition.

Repair / strengthening / rehabilitation / rebuilding of  Railway bridges is a continuous process and is undertaken whenever so warranted by their physical condition as ascertained during these inspections and not on the basis of their ages. Suitable safety measures like imposing speed restrictions and keeping such bridge under close watch are taken till the bridge is repaired / strengthened / rehabilitated / rebuilt. All bridges are safe for train movement at permitted speed.

During 2012-13 to 2016-17, a total of 3,675 bridges have been repaired / strengthened / rehabilitated / rebuilt. As on April 1, 2017, a total of 3,017 bridges are sanctioned for repair / strengthening / rehabilitation / rebuilding at a throw forward cost of Rs 3581.64 Crore, according to a PIB release. This information was made available in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on March 9, 2018.