Frustration Mounts as Umiam Bridge Retrofitting in Meghalaya Faces Prolonged Delays, Shattering 4-5 Month Completion Hopes
Prolonged Repairs at Umiam Bridge Disrupt Commuter Traffic
The Umiam Bridge, a vital conduit for Meghalaya and the main access point to Shillong, is experiencing significant delays in its ongoing retrofitting and maintenance efforts. The project, initiated on December 14, 2023, based on recommendations from the Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati, was initially expected to be completed within 4-5 months.
Originally slated for completion on April 8, 2024, the schedule was later revised by Sanjay Goyal, CMD of MeECL, potentially extending the timeline into May. However, as of early July, construction remains unfinished, with no clear indication of completion by July’s end.
A government statement in April indicated substantial progress, with 60% of drilling and grouting completed. Nonetheless, these efforts have not been without challenges, severely impacting daily commuters who depend on the bridge.
State Power Minister AT Mondal recently set a new target for early August completion. The retrofitting is not just aimed at resolving structural issues but also at extending the lifespan of the Umiam dam by 35-40 years. This dam, crucial for hydroelectric power generation since its construction in the 1960s by the Assam Electricity Board, has developed multiple cracks necessitating urgent repairs.
These delays have notably disrupted travel, especially along the Shillong-Guwahati route, now plagued by extended delays of 1-2 hours at the dam site. Alternate routes via Shillong airport and NEIGRIHMS have been suggested, but their poor condition and narrow paths through villages add roughly an additional hour to the journey.
Ensuring the structural integrity of the Umiam Bridge remains a priority, crucial for restoring normalcy to commuter traffic and sustaining this vital piece of infrastructure.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/meghalaya-umiam-bridge-retrofitting-faces-prolonged-delays-despite-initial-4-5-month-completion-target-1045231-2024-07-08?utm_source=rssfeed
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