KALYAN: In a major step towards easing chronic traffic congestion outside Kalyan railway station, authorities have completed the launching of the final girder for the most crucial and longest of the three flyovers under the Station Area Traffic Improvement Scheme (SATIS).The 1,125-metre-long structure has been built using advanced Ultra-High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC), a Malaysian technology recently used in Mumbai-Pune Missing Link project.The flyover is part of the ‘Kalyan West Station Area Improvement’ project being executed by the Smart Kalyan Dombivli Development Corporation Ltd. Stretching from Subhash Chandra Bose Chowk to Bailbazar Chowk, the structure has a variable width ranging between 9 and 18 metres. Officials said the project is now in its final stage and is expected to significantly decongest the busy station area. The structural design and proof-checking for the project have been carried out with technical support from IIT Bombay, ensuring enhanced safety and durability.One of the key challenges during execution was the existing foot overbridge at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Chowk (Entry Gate No. 1), which caters to heavy pedestrian movement. Dismantling it was not feasible. Engineers, therefore, opted for UHPFRC technology, enabling safe girder launching without disrupting commuter flow.The operation was carried out late at night in the presence of mayor Harshali Choudhary, KDMC commissioner Abhinav Goel, city engineer Anita Pardeshi and executive engineer Rohini Lokare, along with project consultants and contractors.Goel said UHPFRC is significantly stronger and more durable than conventional concrete, offering compressive strength five to six times higher. Its dense composition makes it resistant to weathering and pollution, extending the lifespan of structures beyond 100 years.Construction on other two flyovers under SATIS project is also nearing completion. All three flyovers will be interconnected.
