Srinagar: The National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI) Friday said that the Bailey Bridge set up at Kela Morh in Ramban district has been de-launched as the damaged portion of the highway has been repaired fully and that the traffic will ply normally on the highway from Saturday onwards.
Project Director NHAI Purshotam Kumar, while speaking to Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “The retaining wall of the bridge which had collapsed on January 9 is all set to be thrown open for traffic as the same stands repaired fully. The Bailey bridge which was launched as an alternate arrangement is being de-launched now.”
ADGP Traffic P Namgyal said that that after the collapse of retaining wall of bridge at Kela Morh in district Ramban, as an interim relief for restoring the connectivity to Kashmir, Bailey Bridge was launched on the highway by the NHAI in coordination with BRO.
“Since the area is landslide and shooting stone prone area, for some time traffic will be only one way for heavy vehicles,” he said.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P. K. Pole (IAS) while speaking to KNO said, “a temporary bridge (Bailey bridge) which was launched by BRO as interim relief will be de-launched now and traffic will be allowed to move on the bridge whose retaining wall had collapsed earlier and traffic will move as per the advisories of Traffic Police Department.”
NHAI had roped in BRO to launch Bailey bridge which was completed in record 60 hours to end the miseries of commuters traveling on Srinagar-Jammu national highway and that same bridge was used to ensure essential supplies to the Valley
Meanwhile, Traffic Authorities in their communiqué for the traffic plan on February 13 on Srinagar-Jammu national highway said, “In view of dismantling of Bailey bridge and restoration of vehicular traffic via old bridge at Kela Morh Ramban. Decision regarding the vehicular movement on Jammu-Srinagar NHW shall be taken tomorrow morning after assessing the situation.” (KNO)
