Sri Vijaya Puram: The collapsed Bailey Bridge over Kimious Nallah at Car Nicobar continues to pose serious difficulties for local residents, with schoolchildren, elderly persons, patients and daily wage workers among those affected. Raising the issue, Hindu Rashtra Shakti, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has submitted representations to the Lieutenant Governor, Member of Parliament and Chief Secretary, demanding urgent reconstruction of the bridge.
As per HRS, the 180-feet-long Bailey Bridge was inaugurated on December 8, 2011, by the then Chief Secretary, Mr. Shakti Sinha. Nearly 15 years later, the bridge has reportedly collapsed, leaving behind a rusted and broken iron structure lying in the waters of the nallah. The approach road now ends abruptly at a concrete wall bearing the warning ‘Stop Dead End’.
According to the organization, the collapsed bridge has severely affected the daily movement of people in the area. School-going children, elderly persons, pregnant women, patients, farmers, fishermen and daily wage workers are facing considerable inconvenience due to the absence of a proper crossing facility. The situation becomes particularly difficult during the monsoon, heavy rains and high tides, when people are reportedly compelled to cross through risky water passages, exposing themselves to danger.
The issue was brought to the attention of the organization by the youth of Car Nicobar, who personally visited the site and documented the present condition of the damaged bridge through photographs. State Youth President of the organization, Mr. Angshuman Roy said that the youth had approached the organization with the matter, following which it decided to take up the issue with the Administration.
Hindu Rashtra Shakti has demanded an immediate joint inspection of the site, followed by the construction of a permanent, strong and modern reinforced cement concrete (RCC) bridge on a priority basis. It has also called for the arrangement of a safe temporary crossing facility until the permanent bridge is completed.
The organization has further sought high-level monitoring of the reconstruction work and a clear, time-bound schedule from the Administration so that residents of Car Nicobar remain informed about the progress of the project.
HRS said that the prolonged absence of a functional bridge has raised concerns over public safety and connectivity in the area, with the organization urging the Administration to address the issue without further delay.
