Flash flood washes away concrete bridge

Silchar, May 31 (UNI) Flash floods at Katakhal river in Barak Valley today washed away a concrete bridge being constructed over the river. The Rs 14 crore bridge of state public works department was under construction at Gaglacherra in Hailakandi district in south Asom. Sources said the 180-meter bridge suddenly collapsed when workers were giving final touches atop the bridge and just about managed to save themselves. Work for the bridge was about to be completed within the next few days.

Guwahati based Modern Constructions Ltd had taken up the construction of the PWD bridge three years back.

Sources said Katakhal, a tributary of Barak river, is in spate since yesterday night, along with other rivers of the region, as south Assam has been experiencing heavy downpour for the last three days.

The incident has, however, caused resentment among the local people, who have raised questions about the quality of the work.

Algapur MLA Rahul Roy has demanded an inquiry into the collapse of the bridge.

UNI XC SP DB1922