Strategic over-lived bridge in need of urgent repairs

Dharamshala, Aug 11 (UNI) The strategically located 87-year-old Bathu bridge near Ranital, 32 km from here is in a dilapidated condition having out-lived its life like the collapsed Chakki bridge.

The deteriorating condition of the bridge was causing concern to the local residents who complained that despite the fact that last year part of the bridge collapsed following heavy rains in the area, the Government was yet to either build a new bridge or to strengthen the present structure.

The bridge was posing a great risk to the passengers and if overburdened, could give way as it had completed its age in 1980, according to P R Agnihotri, retired Executive Engineer.

Bathu Bridge, constructed on Bathu Khad in 1920 during the British rule to connect the towns of Punjab with the Kangra valley, was today in a bad shape as it had over-lived its life of 60 years, Mr Agnihotri, now active as a construction consultant, said.

The bridge was fast losing strength due to heavy rains in the area and steady increase in the traffic and a new bridge, with bigger span, needed to be built on this National Highway, he said.

The new bridge should be constructed on the lower side of the present bridge, which would dilute the steepness of the both sides of the road, he said.

The Bathu bridge is of vital importance on Matour Shimla National Highway but the state Government seemed unconcerned about lives of the people traveling on this bridge every day, Mr Bishambhar Dass, another local resident complained.

When this bridge was constructed 87 years back, a few dozen vehicles used to pass but now the traffic had swelled to 2650 to 2700 light and heavy motor vehicles per day, Mr Agnihotri said.

The bridge is also strategically important as it connects Jawalamukhi temple town with Kangra temple town besides the pilgrims visiting Chamunda temple also use this bridge. Tourists use this bridge to visit the lush green Kangra valley under the foothills of the sparkling snow-clad Dhauladar mountain range.

This bridge was also important for the tourists visiting Chamba and Kullu valley too. The bridge despite being of much importance on this national highway unfortunately has been ignored by the Government because the local political leadership has failed to raise the issue in right perspective before the right quarters, Rakessh kumar, another resident alleged.

Last year when a part of the bridge collapsed following heavy rains and the traffic was diverted via Tiara Lunj and Suni Sarotri for nearly a month before it was repaired.

Government had announced that a new bridge at an estimated cost of Rs 4 crore would be constructed shortly but despite one year having elapsed, no move had been made in that direction.

The residents were concerned over the condition of the dilapidated bridge, specially after the collapse of Chakki bridge and wanted the government to take a prompt action in this regard.

UNI