Swift action brings relief to commuters
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 29: The lifeline of Jammu city, the 4th Tawi bridge, sprang back to life today after the Army constructed a 110-foot bailey bridge in a record time of just 12 hours, restoring traffic movement that had been disrupted for three days.
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A portion of the approach road to the bridge from the Bhagwati Nagar side had collapsed on August 26 following heavy rains and flash floods in the Tawi River. Several vehicles were trapped and damaged in the sudden cave-in, forcing a complete closure of the bridge initially. Later, one tube of the bridge (Bhagwati Nagar to Ware House/Satwari) was thrown open for light vehicles, while the other tube (Ware House/Satwari to Bhagwati Nagar) remained closed.
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Responding to the crisis, the Tiger Division of the Indian Army took charge this morning on the request of the civil administration. Army engineers arrived early at the site and began raising a bailey bridge-an emergency prefabricated steel structure often used in disaster-hit areas. By evening, the structure was completed and vehicles began moving through the other tube of the bridge once again.
On the spot, Major General Mukesh Bhanwala, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Tiger Division, told reporters that the task was executed under extremely tough conditions. “This bailey bridge has been built in just 12 hours by our engineers. The 4th Tawi bridge is a vital link for Jammu, and until the collapsed road is permanently repaired, this bridge will ensure smooth connectivity,” he said.
He added that the damaged approach road would take time to restore fully, but the Army, in coordination with the civil administration, stepped in to provide an immediate solution.
The restoration has brought huge relief to residents who had been struggling with traffic diversions and long delays. For many, the Army’s swift action underscored its reputation for always being the first responder in times of crisis-be it natural calamities, floods, or other emergencies.
With the 4th Tawi Bridge now reopened fully, traffic movement within the city is expected to ease considerably, offering commuters a breather after three days of chaos.
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