Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 21 September 2023
A critical infrastructure in the North and Middle Andaman region of Andaman and Nicobar Islands took a distressing turn as the Bailey Bridge spanning T V Kulam Nallah was deemed unsafe for both motorable vehicles and pedestrians due to excessive corrosion. This alarming revelation came from experts at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, leading to an urgent decision to close the bridge.
The Executive Engineer of NACD, Andaman Public Works Department (APWD), Mayabunder, confirmed that the Bailey Bridge was suffering from severe corrosion, posing a significant threat to anyone attempting to cross it. Subsequently, experts from IIT Guwahati conducted an assessment and certified the bridge’s compromised safety status.
In light of these findings, the Executive Engineer, NACD, APWD, Mayabunder, took immediate action by requesting the closure of the bridge to prevent any potential accidents or mishaps.
Responding to this critical situation, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Mayabunder exercised the powers under Section 133 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr. P.C.). On September 20, 2023, an official order was issued, mandating the closure of the T V Kulam Bridge located in Swadesh Nagar for all vehicular traffic and pedestrians from both ends. This measure was enacted primarily to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.