By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 22: The MeECL on Friday asserted that the Umiam bridge is safe, and efforts are being made to extend its lifespan by at least 40–50 years.
“Let me state unequivocally that the dam and the bridge are safe structures. We have done a lot of research with all the expert agencies, and over time, they require rehabilitation, and they require maintenance to increase their lifespan,” MeECL Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Goyal stated.
He said that the dam’s lifespan will be extended by at least 40–50 years after completion of the repair work.
It may be recalled that the Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati, which carried out a safety audit of the Umiam bridge, recommended that heavy-duty vehicles not be allowed to travel on the bridge until “distressed members”—such as the deck slab and girder beam—were retrofitted.
Additionally, the maximum load that can be carried by the bridge should be 15 tonnes.
The Umiam dam bridge would only be accessible by passenger buses and light motor vehicles (LMVs), according to a recent order from the East Khasi Hills District Magistrate.