Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 24 May 2025
The District Magistrate of South Andaman has imposed immediate restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles over the Chatham Bridge following concerns about its structural integrity.
The bridge, which provides the sole access between Chatham Island and the South Andaman District Headquarters, has been found to be in a deteriorating condition. Citing public safety, the administration has taken precautionary measures under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and a previous notification dated March 10, 2008.
As per the order, heavy vehicles will now be permitted to cross the bridge only under the following conditions:
A maximum speed limit of 30 km/h must be maintained.
The total load, including the vehicle, must not exceed 20 metric tonnes.
Only one heavy-loaded vehicle will be allowed to pass at a time.
These restrictions will remain in place until a final structural assessment report is received from IIT Madras. Further instructions will be issued based on the findings of the report.
All concerned departments, enforcement agencies, and transport operators have been instructed to strictly adhere to the new regulations to ensure public safety and prevent any further damage to the bridge. (Story Based on PR)