The much-anticipated foundation stone-laying ceremony for the twin towers crowning the new Zuari bridge is scheduled to take place on the 22nd of December, featuring the presence of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. Coinciding with this significant event, the inauguration of the bridge’s second four-lane section is set for 6 pm on the same day. The celebratory proceedings will necessitate the temporary closure of approach roads to the bridge, causing a brief inconvenience as all eight lanes will be inaccessible to commuters during the official ceremony.
Currently undergoing the final touches, the bridge is on the verge of completing its construction phase. A forthcoming meeting between police officials and representatives from the public works department will determine the intricacies of the traffic plan for the inauguration day. Additionally, discussions will revolve around the traffic management strategy once all eight lanes are made available for public use starting December 23.
The twin towers project, valued at a substantial Rs 297 crore, is entrusted to the expertise of Dilip Buildcon, a prominent firm based in Bhopal. Notably, Dilip Buildcon, the same contractor responsible for the construction of the new Zuari bridge, will independently fund the construction of the twin towers. In contrast to the centrally funded Rs 1,400-crore eight-lane cable-stayed bridge, the financial responsibility for the twin towers rests solely on Dilip Buildcon. The recovery of their investment will be facilitated through visitor fees, as the twin towers are envisioned to become a notable tourist attraction. Each tower is designed to feature an observatory capable of accommodating up to 500 people simultaneously. The construction timeline is estimated to span three years, with an approximate cost of Rs 300 crore.
During the initial construction phase of the bridge, two strategically positioned pylons were erected on either side to bear the weight of the future towers, a structural decision outlined by state officials. According to the contractual agreement, Dilip Buildcon is slated to operate the towers for a 50-year period to recoup construction costs. Meanwhile, for the eight-lane cable-stayed bridge, the company will continue its maintenance responsibilities for the ensuing eight years.