PWD check finds bridges in district ‘safe’

Pune: A recent inspection by the Public Works Department (PWD) has not found any bridges or stretches of roads 'dangerous' in Pune district. The department, which identified four bridges that needed some repairs, has finished fixing a bridge in Daund.
The PWD looks after the state highway and district roads and claimed it conducts regular checks. Officials on Thursday said the latest inspection was carried out before the monsoon.
"Our engineers have not found any major danger to the bridges across rivers and the inspections were satisfactory," a senior PWD official said.
The strength of bridges and roads is in focus after a part of a bridge near Mahad collapsed washing away two state transport buses and some private vehicles. Road experts said there was need for regular checks and repairs of bridges to avoid accidents.
Pune district has a strong road network. The district has hilly terrains on its western side while major rivers flow through the eastern parts. Officials said though there were some old bridges, none was in a dilapidated condition.
The department had identified a bridge on the Bhima river near Daund which has been closed for vehicular traffic for the last year for repairs and strengthening.
"This is not a bridge constructed in the British era. It is an old structure and was taken up for repairs a year ago. It is located on Daund-Pargaon road and is an important bridge in the area. An alternative road has been provided for the vehicles till the work gets over. About 90% work has been completed so far," an official said.
Four small bridges in the rural parts need some repairs and a proposal for allotment of funds was already submitted to the state government. "The bridges are still in a good condition, but need some repairs and strengthening. We have sought funds to take up the work," the official said.
Meanwhile, Pune Zilla Parishad which maintains smaller roads in the rural parts also conducted a similar inspection before the arrival of the monsoon. Officials said minor repairs were taken up but the road stretches did not need closing down.
PWD's claim for Pune district :
*No bridge or road in ‘dangerous' condition
*Checks conducted before monsoon
*Checks are taken up at regular intervals
*Proposal for repairs of 4 small bridges went to the state government
* Road experts expressed a need for safety audit of all bridges on rivers