PERNEM: The 50-year-old bridge in the Pandir area of Morjim Panchayat in dilapidated condition, raising serious concerns about its structural integrity.
The neglected bridge, which has never undergone repairs, is now in dire need of attention as the iron rods within the concrete have corroded. Consequently, traffic on the bridge has been halted.
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Local residents were the first to notice the bridge’s deterioration and promptly informed MLA Jeet Arolkar, who then alerted the Public Works Department (PWD) officials.
PWD officials, accompanied by panch members Mandar Poke and Mukesh Gadekar, rushed to the site and made the decision to temporarily close the route completely. As a result, locals will now need to take alternate routes, adding an additional distance of 1.5 to 2 kilometres to their journeys.
The footbridge had served as a convenient shortcut for many locals, particularly pedestrians. However, its deteriorating condition has made it unsafe for use.
In a related development, another bridge in Tembwada, Morjim, is in a dilapidated condition, highlighting the urgent need for repairs and maintenance of the aging bridges in the area. Local residents are demanding prompt government attention to address these safety hazards.
“I was alerted by concerned locals about the bridge’s condition while I was out of town. I immediately contacted the PWD officials and instructed them to close the route to traffic. The bridge will be repaired and, possibly in the near future, rebuilt entirely,” assured MLA Arolkar.
