Project to strengthen 7 bridges underway

Kolkata: The state Public Works Department (PWD) has taken up a major project for strengthening of seven bridges on National Highway (NH) 60 after the same were identified to be in "stressed condition".

Most of these bridges are in Birbhum district and it includes Brahmani River Bridge in which cracks were identified. However, immediate repair work to ensure safety of people has been taken up following health study. Repairing of the bridges has been taken up on priority basis based on the extent of damage caused to the bridges.

At present restriction was imposed on movement of goods vehicles on the crucial Brahmani Bridge at Nalhati in Birbhum. It is leading to heavy traffic diversion and six Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) have to be deployed to divert goods vehicles through alternate routes.

The NH that originates from Balasore in Orissa terminates at Moregram of Jangipur in Murshidabad. It passes through five districts in Bengal - West Midnapore, Bankura, West Burdwan, Birbhum and Murshidabad. NH 60 is quite crucial in terms of connecting south Bengal with that of north as it merges with NH 34 in Murshidabad. The NH 60 is the only easiest route after leaving NH 34 in Murshidabad to reach West Midnapore, Bankura, West Burdwan and Birbhum.

A senior police officer said that heavy vehicles including trailers were diverted towards Dumka Road from Seorakuri More at Mohammad Bazar police station area in Birbhum to facilitate the repairing work of Brahmani Bridge. All such vehicles were also diverted from Mosnuba More at Rampurhat towards Tarapith-Bishnupur-Behrampore Road. Traffic has been diverted on three more routes as well, the officer said adding that the same will continue untill the repairing of the bridge gets completed.

A senior official of PWD's Highway division said: "The repairing work of seven bridges on in Birbhum and its adjoining region on NH 60 is going on in full swing. We expect to complete the repairing of Bramhani Bridge by three weeks."

Besides bridges, several culverts were also identified, repair work of which has also been taken up on the national highway.