John Wilbert
Port Blair, Jan 05: Here is news for people of A &N Islands, which will bring some fresh breath of new hope. According to National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the most awaited bridge at Middle Strait will be completed before 2020.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Mr. Dilbhag Singh Dhanda, General Manager, NHIDCL, Port Blair recently said that at present only a CRZ clearance is pending because of a minor objection which will be cleared very soon. He said that for this project Forest Clearance-I has already been obtained.
Mr. Dhanda said that the two lane bridge will have extra width so that in case of need from one lane heavy military vehicles can also cross the bridge without any problem whereas from other lane normal traffic can continue.
“The bridge can take weight of 300 tonnes, without any problem,” Mr. Dhanda said.
He said that some land has already been provided to NHIDCL by the Tribal Welfare department, which was necessary for the alignment of the bridge. The land has been provided as per Supreme Court’s order. He said once the bridge is completed the present space near Middle Strait Jetty area will be handed over to the Tribal Welfare Department.
He said that this bridge will ensure fast movement of traffic and hence there won’t be any need to stand near the Middle Strait Jetty for hours and hence there won’t be any disturbance to tribal community.
“The financial bid has been opened on 10.12.2017 and the work has been awarded to Vashista Mantena. The project is worth 170 Crores and it has to be completed within three years. The work will be completed by 2020 December or 2021 January. Our rules are very strict, if the work is completed earlier, the contractor gets bonus while if delayed there is a clause for penalty. We will also ensure top quality work,” the GM said.
He added that the NHIDCL is also providing footpath of 1.5 mtr and lighting will also be provided on the bridge so that people can walk on the bridge too.
“This height of the bridge will be 22 mtr more than the high tide line so that local ships and naval ships can also pass through the bridge,” Mr. Danda said.
