A private agency which inspected the 18-month-old Palarivattom overbridge in Kochi has found six cracks and has recommended a ban on heavy vehicles on it. It has stressed that every crack is serious and that the bridge is getting weaker by the day. The National Highways Authority (NHA) as well as the Public Works Department (PWD) have reportedly buried the report.
'Manorama News' could access the inspection report, which recommends immediate control of traffic to ensure the security of the people as well as the bridge.
The bridge, built on a budget of Rs 72 crore, was opened to the public in October 2016 and was trumpeted as a symbol of the state's glory.Within months, its surface started peeling off and eyebrows were raised when the bridge became unusable for vehicles within a month.
The cosmetic work done then hasn't helped a wee bit, the new report says. The inspection took place on September 20 and 21.The cracks have been found in the pier caps. The report says such cracks were found on the number 10 and 12 pier caps earlier.
The new cracks are on pier caps 1, 2, 3 and 7. All six cracks are widening and expanding. The report has recommended emergency repair to avoid possible mishaps. The week-old report has also recommended immediate ban on heavy vehicles.
The NHA was kept off the construction to avoid toll collection controversies and the work was instead awarded to the Roads and Bridges Corporation.
