process of upgrading 207 single lane bridges built on State Highways in the state to double lanes has started. In the first phase, more than 100 B grade category bridges will be converted into A grade. Along with this, the load capacity of the bridges will also be increased. In the first phase, a budget of Rs 6 crore 40 lakh 80 thousand has been released for 58 bridges.
In this regard, orders have been issued by Additional Secretary Lonivi Vineet Kumar. Last year, on the instructions of the government, the Public Works Department had conducted a safety audit of 2518 out of 3262 bridges across the state. In the safety audit conducted in five zones of the state, 36 bridges were found unsafe for traffic. What will be done with these bridges has not been decided yet.
Mandate to upgrade 58 bridges in the first phase
Of these, 207 bridges were selected for upgradation. In the first phase, mandate has been issued to upgrade 58 bridges. Assembly-wise budget has also been released for this. Soon the work of upgrading the bridges will be started. If government sources are to be believed, by March 31, most of the 207 bridges will be given administrative as well as financial approval.
Maximum 20 bridges will be upgraded in Chakrata Assembly
In the financial year 2022-23, approval has been given to upgrade the maximum number of 20 bridges under the Chakrata assembly of Dehradun district under the state plan. A budget of 156.80 lakh has been released for this.
Many bridges of Kumaon region will be saved
Rs 9.92 lakh has been released for two bridges in Nainital Vis area. Apart from this, Rs 56.65 lakh has been released for six bridges under Nanamkamatta, Sitarganj and Khatima constituencies of Udham Singh Nagar district. Rs 86.52 lakh for three bridges at Dharchula, Didihat and Gangolihat in Pithoragarh, Rs 36.27 lakh for seven bridges in Bhimtal vis area of Nainital district, Rs 49.68 lakh for three bridges in Almora, Someshwar, Ranikhet and Salt vis areas went. Rs 43.32 lakh has been released for the improvement of six bridges in Champawat area.
Budget received for 16 bridges in Chamoli district
Rs 94.48 lakh has been released for nine bridges in Karnprayag vis area of Chamoli district and Rs 77.39 lakh for two bridges in Tharali vis area, Rs 30.70 lakh for five bridges under Badrinath vis area.
According to Principal Secretary Lonivi RK Sudhanshu, religious and tourism activities have increased rapidly in the state in the last few years. This has also increased the pressure on the roads and bridges. The decision to upgrade these 207 bridges was taken on the basis of reports received from the divisions during the safety audit. Financial approval is being given to upgrade the bridges on the basis of the proposals received from the districts and departmental reports.
