65 bridges in Karnataka vulnerable, but govt sits on proposal

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL) is yet to receive government nod for taking up works to strengthen 65 bridges in the state despite an agency under the PWD stressing the need for it five years ago. 

The assessment was made by the Planning and Road Asset Management Centre (PRAMC) and the lack of urgency means that these bridges are vulnerable.

After the bridges were flagged by the PRAMC, KRDCL conducted soil tests and such other tests to understand the extent of works needed. A Detailed Feasibility Report (DFR) was prepared and submitted to the government for administrative and financial approval. However, KRDCL is yet to receive approval. 

The news against the backdrop of the bridge collapse over the Indrayani River in Pune, which killed four people. The bridge had been reportedly flagged as unsafe years ago and no strengthening work was taken up.

Officials from KRDCL said since the strengthening of these 65 bridges requires over Rs 1,550 crore, there is a delay in government approval. 

“These works need more funds and hence there is a delay in approval. We have been told that funds will be released in a phased manner,” a senior KRDCL official told DH. 

However, delay in taking up the works might worsen the situation and lead to collapse, an engineer said. 

“According to the National Building Code, a technical audit should be conducted every five years," Srikanth Channal from the Association of Consulting Civil Engineers told DH. "If the agencies haven’t taken up strengthening works that were flagged nearly five years back, it only means that the situation would have deteriorated. What is worse is that we do not even know the present condition since they would not have audited it again.” 

During the assessment, the engineers use a bridge inspection vehicle to determine visual flaws. Based on the assessment, a load test is done under the guidance of experts.

“Only after all this, a report is submitted," a senior engineer from the Public works department said. "Though the report does not mention a timeline or how long the bridge can sustain with such flaws, it is advisable to take up the works at the earliest since the health of the bridge deteriorates continuously owing to the huge load it takes every day.” 

However, KRDCL officials said that any critical works would be taken up immediately, “In case we identify that there is an immediate need, we take up work immediately,” a senior KRDCL official told DH.

However, experts said that in the majority of the cases, the flaws may not be visually evident and need technical assessment.

“The bearings would have grown loose, there might be corrosion. All these need technical assessment,” Channal added.