MLA Pappi, civic officials inspect Jagraon Bridge, order key repairs

In a move to strengthen and give a facelift to the Jagraon Bridge, considered the lifeline of the city, Ludhiana Central MLA Ashok Prashar Pappi, Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Prashar and Municipal Corporation (MC) Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal conducted an inspection of the bridge and adjoining areas on Saturday.

Member of Punjab Road Safety Council Rahul Verma, Superintending Engineer (SE) Rahul Gagneja among others were also present during the inspection.

During the inspection, concern was raised over the unchecked growth of bushes and trees along the retaining wall of the bridge. It was also observed that rats had been damaging the walls by burrowing holes.

Officials were accordingly directed to clear wild growth and take up the project of constructing RCC retaining walls on the Vishwakarma Chowk side of the bridge. Authorities were further instructed to explore the possibility of widening the approach roads towards Vishwakarma Chowk.

Additionally, MC Commissioner Dachalwal issued orders for repairing and reconstructing the central verge and crash barriers across the bridge. Officials have also been asked to devise a permanent solution to prevent waterlogging near the traffic lights, where accumulated rainwater has caused damage to sections of the roadway.

Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Prashar stated that he had raised concern over the bridge’s condition a few days earlier, following which Saturday’s inspection was scheduled. “The necessary directions have now been passed to strengthen the bridge, which is vital to the city,” he added.

Later, Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Prashar and MC Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal also inspected the road cave-in site near the railway station. They directed officials to expedite repair works to provide relief to commuters.

They also reviewed the static compactor site near Chand Cinema Bridge, issuing instructions to ensure the compactor’s smooth functioning.