The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has finally succeeded in restoring the 180-ft damaged Bailey bridge connecting the north portal of the Rohtang tunnel here today.
The bridge collapsed on August 29 when a truck carrying material was passing through it. The truck fell into a ditch, but no loss of life was reported.
BRO Commander KP Rajendra said, “We restored the bridge in two weeks. Now, loaded vehicles having carrying capacity of 30 tonne can pass through it. However, the authority will restrict heavy load more than the bearing capacity of the bridge to avoid any further damage to it.”
He said Lt Gen Suresh Sharma, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Director General Border Roads, visited the site for inspection and complimented the team for constructing the bridge in short time, despite many challenges.
He added that it was the only route to transport the construction material for the Rohtang tunnel from the north portal side and delay in the stone restoration of the bridge was affecting the construction of the tunnel.
“The BRO authority will try to recover the parts of the damaged bridge next month when the water level of Chandra River, on which the bridge is established, will reduce,” he added.
The tunnel is being constructed beneath the Rohtang Pass, which remains closed for six months due to snow, to provide year-round road link.
Tribune News Service
