Yamuna bridge at Paonta unsafe for static load: RTI

Tribune News Service

Solan, August 7

An RTI enquiry has revealed that static load may damage the bridge on the Yamuna at Paonta Sahib. The application filed by Abhi, a local resident, however,disclosed that the bridge was safe for rolling load.

The bridge has been declared unsafe for static load by the National Highways Division of the Public Works Department (PWD). The department has also stressed measures to avoid such load on the bridge.

Abhi has made a representation to district administration officials, including the DC, SDM, Paonta Sahib, and officials of the department, to initiate measures like removal of the entry tax barrier and other check points on the bridge.

A suggestion to initiate repair work, regulate speed limit and heavy vehicles crossing the bridge has also been made.

The representation also suggests construction of a new bridge and preparation for disaster relief measures in case the bridge collapses.

Though the issue has been raised with the district administration time and again, nothing has been done to reduce static load on the bridge. Residents have also stepped up their demand to remove the entry tax barrier on the bridge as it led to frequent traffic jams.