The problem started when the railings on the bridge started shifting. These railings, which are supposed to keep vehicles safe and stop them from falling off the edge, have moved. One of the railings has shifted by about 5 inches from where it was originally placed. This small gap might seem unimportant, but it is actually a big concern. Vehicles driving over the bridge could easily hit the railing or fall off the side if they are not careful. Imagine a big truck or bus losing control and crashing into the railing! It could be very dangerous.
Even though this problem has been noticed, the local authorities have not done much to fix it. The side of the bridge where the slab meets the road has also shifted by 5 inches. This makes it even more risky for big vehicles like trucks to drive on the bridge. Experts who have studied the bridge say that the bridge, which was built in 1962, is getting older and weaker. So, it is becoming unsafe for heavy traffic.
In 2019, something similar happened. A part of the bridge sank 6 inches, which made the authorities stop heavy vehicles from using the bridge for a while. This showed just how dangerous the bridge could be if not maintained properly. Even though this incident happened a few years ago, the bridge still faces many risks. And now, with the shifting of the railings, there is more concern.
Kursela Kosi Bridge is important for many reasons. It connects seven states in India, including Bihar, West Bengal, and parts of North East India. This bridge is not just a road for local vehicles; it is part of the National Highway 31. This highway helps people and goods travel between the north of India and the northeast. So, when the bridge is unsafe, it affects many people and businesses.
traffic on the bridge is very heavy, with thousands of vehicles using it every day. Most of these vehicles are big trucks, buses, and cars. With such heavy traffic, the bridge is under a lot of pressure. If the bridge continues to weaken, it could cause a terrible accident. Experts say that a new bridge should be built next to this one to take some of the pressure off the old one.
In the past, there have been some repairs done to the bridge. The road on the bridge has also faced some sinking issues, but repairs were made, and the bridge was fixed for use. However, the real problem now is the railings. The shifting of the railings is a warning sign of a bigger issue. If the railings are not fixed properly, it could lead to an accident where vehicles might fall into the river.
Some work has been done near the railings. Bags were placed near the shifted railing to try and hold it in place. But this is not a permanent solution. It is just a temporary fix. The real work to fix the bridge has not yet started. The authorities need to take stronger action to repair the bridge completely and make it safe for everyone.
The people living near the bridge and those who use it every day are worried. They know how dangerous it could be if the bridge is not repaired soon. A lot of people are calling for the government to act quickly and either fix the bridge properly or build a new one beside it. They want to make sure that no one gets hurt because of the bridge's weakness.
