Manali: A bailey bridge over Chandra River in Lahaul valley connecting the Rohtang Tunnel construction site collapsed on Monday due to strong currents of the river when a truck was crossing over it. The truck driver was rescued immediately and there were no casualties. The piers on both sides have been partially damaged.
The bridge provided approach to tunnel at the north portal near Telling village at Sissu Lahaul. The collapse of bridge has cut off the main campus of the contractor from the work site of Rohtang tunnel.
Brig D.N.Bhatt, Chief Engineer of Rohtang tunnel while speaking to Hill Post said that effort is been made to restore the bridge at the shortest time possible so that further loss is prevented.
He said that work of the tunnel will not be stopped as sufficient stock of fuel and construction material is available for seven days on the tunnel site. Although, the work will slow down as the workers and supervisor have to cross the foot bridge near Sissu village to reach the tunnel.
He disclosed that the bailey bridge was 170 ft long and was constructed in 2006. It was maintained by project Deepak. He further said if the new bridge is not constructed with in seven days than we may have to incur a loss of Rs 5 Lakhs per day.
Sanjay Dutta, an engineer by qualification but is a journalist by choice.
He has worked for the premier new agency Press Trust of India and leading English daily Indian Express.
With more than a decade of experience, he has been highlighting issues related to environment, tourism and other aspects affecting mountain ecology.
Sanjay Dutta lives in a village close to Manali in Kullu valley of Himachal.
