Secunderabad to Host India’s Largest Steel Bridge
In a landmark development, the Telangana government has given green light to a project that promises to be the country’s largest steel bridge. Integrated into an elevated corridor running along the Rajiv Highway, the plan aims to connect Secunderabad with key northern areas, delivering a long-awaited traffic relief. The elevated span will cover a total length of 18.170 kilometers, with about 11.65 kilometers designated for the steel bridge section.
Key Specifications
The project envisions an 18.170 km elevated corridor from the Rajiv Highway through Secunderabad’s Parade Ground towards Shamierpet. Of this, approximately 11.65 km will be constructed as a steel bridge. To expedite construction while ensuring durability, the government has approved this design concept, and HMDA (Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority) is set to invite tenders under the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) policy.
Cost and Tendering
Officials estimate the total project cost at around Rs 2,232 crore. With the green signal in hand, HMDA is preparing to issue EPC tenders, inviting bids from qualified contractors to execute the work. The process is expected to attract interest from major infrastructure players eager to deliver a landmark project in the state.
Route and Design Highlights
The elevated corridor traverses several important zones, beginning from the Rajiv Rahadari corridor and passing through the Parade Ground area up to Shamierpet. The design mandates that the bridge deck be entirely steel, while the foundations will be concreted to provide the necessary stability for a span of this scale. Notably, the plan includes a 450-meter underground tunnel near Hakimpet Airport, after which the remaining section will continue as an elevated, six-lane corridor.
Innovative Features
Key features include a combination of a steel deck and concrete foundations, which offer robust load-handling capacity and longer service life. The developers have prioritized a rapid yet sturdy construction approach to minimize disruption to existing traffic and to deliver reliable infrastructure for decades to come.
Impact and Benefits
Beyond creating the country’s largest steel bridge, the project is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in Secunderabad and surrounding northern Telangana regions. By expanding the corridor and introducing a six-lane configuration on the remaining road, the plan aims to improve travel times, reduce bottlenecks on busy routes, and bolster overall urban connectivity. The initiative aligns with the broader Hyderabad city development strategy, which seeks to address recurring traffic challenges through road widening, flyovers, and new elevated structures.
Timeline and Next Steps
With the government’s approval, HMDA will soon issue tenders under the EPC framework. Once bids are received and a contractor is selected, construction is expected to begin under a defined schedule. While timelines can shift based on bidding and procurement processes, the project is positioned as a flagship infrastructure enhancement intended to transform daily commutes for residents of Secunderabad and the wider region.
Context within Telangana’s Development Agenda
The project reflects the state administration’s focus on improving urban infrastructure to support growing populations and economic activity. In Hyderabad and its twin city Secunderabad, traffic reduction and improved connectivity remain priority objectives, with multiple road expansions and elevated structures already in operation or in the pipeline. The steel bridge initiative adds a high-profile element to the city’s ongoing evolution toward a more resilient and efficient transport network.
