A preliminary inspection of the 50-year-old Saleri bridge, a vital link connecting Agonda and Khola villages on the MDR-49 route, has uncovered significant structural deficiencies, raising serious safety concerns. The assessment, conducted by a Mobile Bridge Inspection Unit (MBIU) from Hyderabad-based Shri Infotech, utilized both Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and Destructive Testing (DT) techniques.
The initial NDT results were deemed unsatisfactory and inconclusive, prompting further analysis through core-cutting, a method involving the extraction of physical samples for detailed laboratory examination. The final report on the bridge's structural integrity is anticipated within 15 days.
According to a reliable source from the inspection team, while two of the bridge’s four pillars were found to be structurally sound, the first and fourth pillars exhibited considerable deterioration and structural weakening. Additionally, the girders supporting the four-span bridge were observed to be in a deteriorated state, though this will be definitively confirmed by the upcoming laboratory analysis. The bridge's overall condition will ultimately be categorized across five safety ratings, which will determine the necessary course of action: repair, rehabilitation, or demolition.
The inspection process, which involved technicians being lowered by a specialized crane to collect samples, necessitated a traffic halt of approximately two and a half hours. This disruption underscored the logistical challenges inherent in inspecting the sole transportation artery between the two villages.
Local residents of Agonda and Khola, who have voiced concerns regarding the bridge's safety since last year, are now intensifying their calls for immediate government intervention. Many in the community believe the bridge has significantly exceeded its intended lifespan and poses a substantial risk, particularly under sustained heavy traffic. Residents have reported visible signs of deterioration, including crumbling cement and heavily rusted steel reinforcements.
Earlier in February, following community complaints, engineers and consultants from the Public Works Department conducted a preliminary visit to the site. However, no repair work was initiated subsequent to that assessment.
With mounting anxiety over a potential collapse, villagers are urging the government to consider a long-term solution beyond temporary fixes. They are advocating for the approval and construction of a completely new bridge to ensure enduring safety and uninterrupted connectivity for the region.
Reference: https://daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1285877
