Meghalaya: Traffic halted on NH 62 after truck damages weak bridge

TURA:

A rickety bridge on the National Highway 62 in the village of Tilekhali in South Garo Hills (SGH) was damaged after an overloaded truck tried to cross it about 7:30 am this morning bringing traffic to a complete standstill since the incident.

Today morning, while attempting to cross the bridge, an overloaded coal truck got stuck in the middle of the hole created due to breakdown of a section of the bridge.

The bridge in question has a maximum carrying capacity of 9 Metric Tonne (MT).

It was informed there are several wooden bridges along this highway which are in 'dilapidated condition'.

While earlier there were over 22 such structures, the numbers have gradually decreased over the years.

However, quite a few (10 at least) remain and pose immense problems for commuters due to incidents such as these. The wooden bridges are managed by the PWD—NH division, based in Baghmara.

Confirming the incident, the superintendent of police of SGH, Priyangshu Pandey informed that the district administration has been informed of the mishap and repair work on the structure was currently underway.

(Edited by Laxmi Chyrmang)