FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2024
Team Herald
PONDA: The railings along the pedestrian footpath on the Amona-Khandola Bridge are rusted and on the verge of collapse, complained locals of Khandola and Marcel, demanding that the authorities concerned undertake repairs immediately.
Social worker Narayan Naik said the bridge was inaugurated around 10 years ago, for the benefit of the residents of Amona and Khandola, and also connects Ponda Taluka with Bicholim Taluka.
He said that many people use the footpath for their morning walks, and people travelling on foot from one village to the other also frequent the walkway of the bridge. While the rickety railings are a hazard by themselves, several street lights on the stretch are not working either, making it more dangerous to use the footpath.
Locals cannot walk on the main road of the Bridge as the road is too narrow and speeding vehicles make it a dangerous proposition.
Narayan said the bridge needs a proper inspection by the government, and requires frequent maintenance, as it is made of iron and other metal.
“One can see several places in the structure of the bridge, where it is being eaten away by rust. It requires urgent attention,” he added.
