N & M Correspondent
CFO Nallah, Middle Andaman, Jan 30: The condition of Bailey Bridge of CFO Nallah, Middle Andaman has deteriorated to such an extend that at any point of time the rusted steel plates of the bridge will tear apart killing dozens of people, crossing the bridge in heavy vehicles.
When Andaman Sheekha team visited the spot, it was found that giant Steel Plates, which forms the top surface of the bridge has developed cracks and multiple cavities. Photographs taken by Andaman Sheekha Correspondent show that the Steel Plate surface of the bridge has become so weak that movement of heavy vehicles on the bridge may result in a disaster anytime.
The CFO Nallah Bailey Bridge is believed to be very crucial for North and Middle Andaman’s Economy as the Swadesh Nagar Bridge is already unfit for heavy vehicles, most of the heavy trucks and often passengers buses use CFO Nallah, Bailey Bridge to reach North and Middle Andaman.
The creek below the bridge, which is known as CFO nallah is believed to be infested with man-eater crocodiles.
“In past many people have been killed by crocodiles in CFO nallah. In case of a bus or truck accident because of the weak Bailey Bridge, people on the vehicles will become a food for the crocodiles, even if they survive the accident,” said a villager of the area.
Villagers alleged that for several months there were efforts from the side of APWD to hide this fact. “The APWD kept gunny bags full of sand and dust on these clearly visible cavities of the steel plates to cover up the issue,” alleged the villager.
When Andaman Sheekha contacted the Executive Engineer of Mayabunder APWD regarding the maintenance of the bridge the answer was short and ‘truly bureaucratic’.
“We have published tender notice for the maintenance of the CFO nallah bridge. Now you know it will take some time but I assure that the repair works will begin soon,” Mr. Murthy the Executive Engineer of APWD Mayabunder told Andaman Sheekha today over phone.
