Salim Javed & Vikramaditya
Rangat, Oct 19: A section of the Hawa Mahal Bridge in the Rangat area suddenly collapsed early this morning. As per sources, the bridge, which connects North and Middle Andaman, is a vital route, and the damage has severely disrupted traffic for few hours.
According to sources, a landslide beneath the bridge caused one side to completely give way. In response, authorities have started temporary repairs using soil and makeshift safety materials to allow small vehicles to pass. However, locals warned that this “stopgap arrangement” is unlikely to hold and could lead to a major accident at any moment.
Eyewitnesses reported that while smaller vehicles are managing to cross, heavy vehicles were been barred for some hours. For now as per report normal traffic has resumed but people are demanding permanent repair as soon as possible.
Residents expressed frustration that media and local organizations had repeatedly flagged the bridge’s deteriorating condition, but no permanent measures were taken.
Officials, including the Tehsildar and representatives from the NHIDCL, have reportedly visited the site to assess the damage. However, permanent repair work has not yet commenced. Locals have urged authorities to immediately rebuild the Hawa Mahal Bridge to eliminate the risk to public safety.
