Baliapal: A brick bridge dating back to the British Era under Balasore works department limits, which was in a dilapidated state due to lack of adequate maintenance over the past years, caved in Tuesday.
The bridge which is located at Ghantiadi area on Baliapal-Basta main road is reported to have caved in later. Following the collapse of the bridge, a large crater of five to six feet deep was created on the road.
Also read: Bridge collapses due to incessant rain
Passenger buses, trucks and several other vehicles got stranded on this main road for long hours. On being informed, a junior engineer of the department reached the spot and covered up the crater with sand- filled bags. Subsequently, vehicular movement was restored.
Worthy to note, Baliapal-Basta main road at Ghantiadi area had received cosmetic repair in 2009. However, the brick-made bridge of olden times was not allegedly repaired at that time.
On being contacted, assistant engineer of Balasore works department Manoranjan Behera said, “As the brick-made bridge was of British Era and had run down over past several years, it caved in. However, the bridge was not dismantled in 2009 as it was strong then”.
A new bridge will be constructed soon in place of the old one after obtaining approval of departmental higher-ups, Behera added.
PNN
