Pune: PMC to Use ‘Jack and Push’ Technique for Water Pipeline Under Railway Track
Pune: PMC to Use 'Jack and Push' Technique for Water Pipeline Under Railway Track
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Water Department has opted for the ‘jack and push’ technique to install a new water pipeline beneath the railway track near the Sadhu Vaswani Road Overbridge (ROB). This decision coincides with the PMC Project Department’s commencement of demolishing the old, unsafe Sadhu Vaswani ROB to construct a new one. The current water line, which runs parallel to the old ROB, poses a potential problem for the new construction.
The demolition of the old ROB began a week ago. The new ROB, projected to be 640 meters long and 17.150 meters wide, is estimated to cost ₹83 crore. The bridge will stand at a height of 6.90 meters and is expected to be completed within two-and-a-half years.
An executive engineer of the PMC Project Department, stated, “We have begun the demolition of the old ROB. There are two issues to address before starting the new ROB construction: a water pipeline and trees. We have asked the Water Supply Department to shift the water lines as they could interfere with the new ROB work. They are currently handling this.”
He added, “We have also submitted a new proposal to the Tree Authority Committee, seeking permission to cut and replant 20 trees that are in the alignment of the new ROB project. Initially, there were 61 trees affected.”
A 1,000 mm water pipeline runs parallel to the existing ROB, supplying water to the entire Yerawada area and parts of Kalyani Nagar. This pipeline could cause issues during the new ROB construction, prompting the Project Department to request its relocation. Due to the presence of the railway track, the Water Department has decided to use the ‘jack and push’ technique to lay down the new pipeline beneath the track.
Superintendent engineer of the Water Supply Department at PMC, said, “We have given a work order to the contractor for laying down a water pipeline which runs parallel to the ROB. It costs around ₹3.50 crore. We have submitted a letter to the Railway Department for this work to allow us to carry out the laying of underground water pipelines.”
The ‘jack and push’ process involves lining a tunnel by pushing specially designed jacking pipes, such as reinforced concrete or other pipes, into the tunnel from one shaft (called the jacking shaft) to another shaft (called the receiving shaft). This technique is widely used for constructing and replacing sewage and drainage systems, installing gas and water mains, oil pipelines, electricity and telecommunications cables, and culverts.
The PMC’s swift action in addressing these infrastructural challenges ensures the smooth progress of the new ROB project while maintaining essential water supply services to affected areas.
