HYDERABAD: The Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) has finalised plans to conduct a detailed technical and scientific study of the nearly 30-year-old Bharatnagar Flyover to assess its structural stability and recommend restoration measures.
TheBharatnagar Road Over Bridge (RoB), constructed in the 1990s near Bharatnagar Railway Station, connects key areas including Erragadda, ESI, Moosapet and Kukatpally and serves as a major traffic corridor. Officials said the bridge has been showing signs of wear and tear due to inadequate maintenance and constant movement of heavy vehicles, including private buses.
To prevent further deterioration, the CMC will engage consultants to carry out investigations, non-destructive testing (NDT) and rehabilitation studies to determine the extent of distress and recommend strengthening measures to meet future traffic demands.
Officials said delayed asphalt and structural surface repairs had led to deterioration of the bridge surface and protective railings. They added that heavy traffic movement may have exposed reinforcements in components such as piers, girders and diaphragms. During the monsoon, water leakage from diaphragms and girder portions has reportedly caused rusting of exposed reinforcements, affecting structural strength.
The proposed study includes inspection of girders, diaphragms, bearing regions, piers and pier caps using digital technologies such as Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), terrestrial laser scanning and non-destructive tests including Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV).
Consultants will also inspect key bridge components such as expansion joints, bearings and deck spans. Non-destructive testing will be conducted at a minimum of 900 points on the bridge, along with carbonation and profometer tests.
The consultants have been tasked with submitting a condition assessment report, distress mapping, drawings, detailed estimates and restoration methodologies, including material specifications for retrofitting and rehabilitation works. CMC also plans to undertake the replacement of bearings and other restoration measures as part of the rehabilitation process.