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Times of India
Kautilya Singh| June 11, 2016
DEHRADUN: An important Bailey bridge, the only one to connect Joshimath with Niti Valley near the China border, that had collapsed in Suraithota area of Chamoli district on Tuesday has been repaired by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and opened for vehicular movement. The timely completion of repair work has ensured road access for defence forces and the residents of 14 villages lying along the border.
The 50-year-old bridge, which was constructed after the 1962 war with China, on the Joshimath-Malari national highway route collapsed while a truck BRO) was going over it. The truck turned turtle while three labourers who were inside it, escaped with minor injuries. The bridge is also used by the army and ITBP personnel posted along with China border. As the Bailey bridge is a narrow one, the movement of four wheelers and heavy vehicles is possible from one side only.
Chief Engineer Brigadier Gurugopal Singh and other senior BRO officials rushed to the spot to take account of the situation.
Lt. Col Kunal Krishna told TOI, “We started the restoration work on Thursday morning and by 4pm on Friday the work was completed. The
important bridge was opened for vehicular movement from6pm.” He pointed out that besides 60 labourers, 20 service personnel of the BRO were involved in the repair work which lasted for 36 hours.
A bailey bridge is a lattice steel structure assembled from pre-fabricated parts, used especially in military operations. The bailey bridge is the lone one on the Joshimath-Malari route which leads to the China border. As a result, the bridge is extremely movement for the forces deployed in the region and also for locals of 14 village to reach the districts headquarters of Gopeshwar.
