Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Aug 29: A 180 feet DDR (double-double reinforced) Normal Bailey bridge was launched over Sukhtao Nallah by 58 RCC/31 BRTF putting an end to longstanding transportation woes of the surrounding villages and local Army units.
Major PS Ojha, the Officer Commanding of the 58 RCC informed that the bridge which is 3 m in width, is designed to support a load of 30 R. He added that the task of launching the bridge has been executed by Captain Vipranshu Pandey and his team of JEs and casual paid labourers. The enormous task was accomplished under the able guidance and supervision of Colonel Amitabh Mishra, the Commander of 31 BRTF.
Maj Ojha added that the road adjoining the nallah was handed over to BRO on May 25 this year and resources were immediately deployed towards the construction of the bridge. Apart from the bridge proper, two concrete abutments (one on either side) and crete walls were constructed to support the upcoming structure. River training on the upstream of the nallah was also done to channelize the flow of water. After ample curing of the concrete structure and preparation of approaches on both sides, the launching of the Bailey bridge commenced on of Aug 20. With steely determination and thorough professionalism, the bridge was launched despite all odds. More than 100 labourers were employed everyday to expedite the work.
It may be recalled here that an old causeway over the nallah had been destroyed in the flashfloods of September 2014 and road traffic had come to a standstill. All transport ferrying across the nallah had become dependent on the weather as heavy rains used to result in alarming increase in water level thus stranding all movement. With the construction of the Bailey bridge, the local public and Army units have got a sigh of relief.
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