‘No hope of traffic restoration in one week’
Setback to NHAI, over Rs one cr goes waste
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Aug 24: Causing major setback to the continuous efforts of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), massive flash flood in river Tarnah again washed away the temporary, culvert- type bridge being constructed over the river near Dyala Chak on Jammu-Pathankote National Highway last night.
Sources said that there was heavy rain in Dinga Amb, Mangloor, Jasrota, Ramkote and Billawar areas of Kathua district late last evening. Several Nallahs were over flooded and it caused massive flood, like similar to that of July 19, in river Tarnah.
The flash flood in the river, again washed away about 100 to 130 meters portion of just completed about 500 mts long temporary, culver type bridge 5th times, constructed over Tarnah, to facilitate smooth movement of traffic on Jammu-Pathankote Highway.
The National Highway authorities had planned to restore light traffic on this bridge today afternoon, but all hopes of the NHAI Jammu team were dashed to the ground after yet another flash flood late Wednesday evening ‘played spoilsport’. It is said that funds to the tune of over one core have gone ‘down the drain’.
Project Director, Jammu-Lakhanpur Section of the Highway, YP Jadon when contacted said that he along with Regional Officer, NHAI, J&K, P. Siva Shanker had visited the site during noon on Wednesday. The team of engineers was also there on the spot. After examining the entire work and all the patches newly constructed, it was decided to have trial run of LMVs not today afternoon, but on Friday (Aug 25). But last late evening, heavy rain and flash flood again washed away a major portion of the culvert. More than two dozen big pipes/tubes were also washed away in the flood. He said the team was working round the clock for the restoration work.
Responding to a question, Project Director said though no further damage has been observed in the existing bridge at the site but this culvert type bridge was damaged at two places. He said there is no possibility of resuming work again in next two days as IMD is showing rain during next 48 hours in the region. Jadon said when they will get at least 5-7 days dry spell, they will try to complete the work again and restore traffic on the highway.
When asked about the expenditure incurred so far for raising this culvert type bridge, Jadon said it has not been properly assessed so far but roughly about rupees one crore must have spent so far on this work. He said during next one week, there is no hope of restoration of traffic on the highway.
Meanwhile, traffic between Pathankote-Kathua- Samba- Jammu -Srinagar continued to the diverted via border road from Chadwal and Londi Morh near Ghagwal and Kootah. The commuters continued to face frequent traffic jams. Some of the load carriers/ trucks and trailers bound for Kashmir are being diverted to Basohli Road/Dhar Road up to Udhampur.
Official sources said that it may take at least five months time to restore about 60 mt portion of damaged bridge on National Highway near Dyala Chak on July 19. A team of experts from NHAI is also likely to visit this site shortly to suggest measures with regard to restoration work over the damaged bridge portion.
This 580 mts long bridge was constructed hardly 12 years ago by ITD Cementation India Ltd, which had engaged G-Engg Advisory Services as consultants.
About 60 years old bridge on this river, adjoining the damaged one, has been dismantled for constructing another six-lane bridge for Delhi-Katra Express Way. This was the only bridge rendering service to the two-way traffic on this 4- lane National Highway.
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