Tala Bridge found 'unfit for use' in RITES report

Kolkata: The state Public Works Department has floated a tender for construction of height barriers on the three approach roads of Tala Bridge.

On Wednesday, Mayor Firhad Hakim stated that RITES has inspected the bridge and found it to be unfit for use.

According to sources, in the report submitted by RITES, the demolition of Tala Bridge has been proposed as it is not in a repairable condition. Earlier, Kolkata Police had published a notification barring the movement of goods vehicles on the bridge.

On Wednesday Hakim said: "RITES has informed that the condition of Tala Bridge is not fit for use. I have formed a special team which would inspect and submit a report in order to find out whether the bridge can be used till Durga Puja."

The height barriers will be eight feet high and Rs 26 lakh will be the cost of the work. Following the construction and setting up of three height bars, it is feared that only small vehicles will be able to avail Tala Bridge. If such a situation occurs, Kolkata Police would have to arrange necessary diversion for buses. However, till Wednesday, police have not received any information regarding the RITES report. "We were asked to stop movement of goods vehicles on Tala Bridge, which we have already done. If any further orders come, we will act accordingly and steps would be taken for hassle-free vehicular movement," said a senior official of Kolkata Traffic Police.

However, sources claimed that the state government is mulling to take another opinion before taking any major decision in this regard. The people who live under the bridge will be rehabilitated as well.