It is very strange on the part of Maharashtra government that the bridge that was built by Britishers, even after crossing its life span, was allowed for heavy traffic which is really criminal. There are instances that the bridges built after independence can’t stand for 15-20 years.How some bridges built by Britishers even after 100 years are still allowed for traffic and how come the government assumes the bridges to be safe for traffic after 100 years. The inspection by PWD/NH engineers just in May 2016 has vouched the bridge being fit for heavy traffic. Now all of them trying to wash their hands and nobody is coming forward to own the responsibility. This is absolutely criminal and not acceptable. Heads should be rolled in this issue, otherwise, these sort of irresponsible reports will be filed and innocent will get killed even in future too in such instances.
Whilst on subject, attention can be drawn towards such bridges built by Portuguese in Goa which are still used for heavy traffic on NH17. It is very scary to see that over-loaded trucks are allowed to pass-through such bridges in Goa with no alternative being made available. Once the life span of a bridge is over, a new bridge should be built by Goa Government without having to wait for collapsing of the old bridge built by Portuguese some years back.
I want to go on record to mention here that one of such bridge is still allowed for heavy traffic on NH17 in the area of Bhatpal-Canacona and I am sure one day such tragedy like in Maharashtra will occur. I want the Goa PWD minister to give in writing that he will be responsible in the event the bridge collapses killing innocent people. Let us not wait till such a tragedy occurs. Once the life of bridge is over, build a new bridge without indicating reasons such as the funds being not available. The stage government can ask for funds from Center and go ahead with such projects on urgent basis. Our PWD minister giving statements in the Assembly will not help. Also, let the government not wait till Talpana-Galjibagh bridges are built as it will take its own time.
