The Gujarat government has approved Rs. 32.40 crore for the restoration and strengthening of Ellis Bridge, which was built in 1892 in Ahmedabad.
State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has given in-principle approval for an allocation of Rs. 32.40 crore under the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Urban Development Scheme’s flyover segment.
Ellis Bridge, constructed during the English rule in 1892, spans 433.41 meters in length and is 6.25 meters wide. It is built in a 14-span bow-string type steel structure. Due to its age and weathering effects, it has been declared unsafe for use and has been closed to the public for the last ten years. Upon its redevelopment, it will reopen as a footbridge, allowing people to access the Sunday market (Gujri Bazar) in the riverbed.
The works under this project will include joint repairs, bottom girder strengthening, bottom stringer reinforcement, new bearing installation, replacement of trusses and composite pier structure bracing, anti-corrosion treatment, removal and refurbishment of the bottom deck slab, among other tasks.