Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Feb 19: Motorists using the steel bridge on the ATR Road, Joda Kalan, Sippighat have started sensing danger while treading over the bridge. Constructed over a small creek, motorists claim that the steel bridge has corroded at various places and is likely to collapse any moment.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, a local resident of Sippighat said that not many people may be aware of the rusting steel bridge at Joda Kalan, Sippighat, but generating awareness about the situation is essential to prevent mishaps. Later, an investigation by a team of Andaman Sheekha revealed that the bridge has adopted corroded in various portions and found that a portion of the thick sheet has become so thin because of corrosion that I bends even if it is pressed with leg. The plate of the bridge has withered after years of use and rusting structure has become a threat to road users.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, two Municipal Councillors of the area expressed awareness about the condition of the Joda Kalan bridge. “People have lodged complaints with us over the corroding condition of the bridge on a number of occasions. The matter was raised during the recently held District Planning Committee meeting of South Andaman. However, the concerned authority has not initiated any steps for the repairs of the bridge. We expect that the administration will take prompt steps to overhaul the crucial road connect in the interest of the commuters,” Mr. Sanjay Meshak, Councillor of PBMC told Andaman Sheekha.
Mr. Uday Kumar, Councillor of ward number 14 demanded urgent repair to the bridge as he too has received many complaints.
why at all there should be any steel bridges left after 11 years of Tsunami. these bridges are meant for temporary use, during relief and in army operations, correct me if i am wrong. now the area is under PBMC and as reported Mr. Uday Kumar, Councillor of ward number 14 has demanded urgent repair to the bridge as he too has received many complaints. i think there should not be any problem when there are two councillors involved. and why repair? please replace with big jumbo bridge of 21st century as it takes all the loads of n&m Andaman. all brdges should be replaced with new rcc as it also comes in the ATR route.