Indira Bridge To Remain Closed For A Month; Railway Denies Approval

Lucknow’s Indira Bridge will remain closed for another month due to a delay in permission from the Railways. The bridge has been closed for traffic going from IT Crossing to Nishatganj since February 26, causing inconvenience to around 50,000 people. Light vehicles will only be allowed to ply on the bridge once the Railway repairs its part of the bridge.

The Railways and Public Works Department has yet to give permission

Although Railways and Public Works Department officials verbally stated that the bridge structure has no damage and light vehicles can be driven, they have not yet permitted it to open. The Railways sent a report to the Public Works Department after a technical bridge examination. Still, it did not mention whether light vehicles could be driven on the bridge. The Public Works Department also stated that the Railways had not given any written report regarding the bridge’s opening for light vehicles.

Railway bridge condition and repairs

The bridge has used an iron girder below the span of the railway portion as a pillar, and the lower thin part of the girder has weakened due to corrosion. The side boundary of the span in the upper part of the bridge has also become dilapidated by about 100 meters, and rainwater coming from the top of the bridge falls on the iron girder because the drain pipes are open on the girder itself.

Railway carrying out repairs

The Railway has reported doing repairs on its part of the bridge. However, nothing has been mentioned in writing about whether the bridge should be opened for light vehicles. The Public Works Department is also responsible for repairing its part of the bridge to ensure the safety of the bridge before it can be opened for all vehicles.

Conclusion

The delay in repairing the bridge is causing inconvenience for commuters who use the route for their daily commute. The bridge’s closure also affects the movement of essential goods and services. The authorities should take necessary actions to ensure the speedy repair of the bridge and provide relief to the affected people.