Vehicles upto 12 MT to be allowed to ply across Umiam Bridge from 30 June

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 25, 2024

CMD of MeECL Sanjay Goyal on Wednesday informed that the rehabilitation of the Umiam dam and retrofitting of the bridge are targeted to be completed within June 30.

The present works are being taken up under the Dam Rehabilitation Improvement Project (DRIP). The main objectives of DRIP are rehabilitation and improvement of dams and associated appurtenances safety institutional strengthening.

The major works under DRIP includes Drilling and Grouting of Dam, Crack repairing and Hydromechanical works.

In a statement, Goyal informed that at present 60% of the drilling and grouting works have been completed in regards to the rehabilitation of the Umiam Dam and as per preliminary reports, it was observed that seepage through the dam has reduced.

“The work is tentatively scheduled to be completed by June 30, after which the road will be opened fully for traffic,” he said.

In regards to the refurbishment of bearings of the bridge, Goyal said, “Based on the technical report submitted by IIT, Guwahati and the in-situ technical assessment of the structure, the bridge bearings were refurbished by lifting the decking bridge. After refurbishment, the bridge has again been brought back to its original position.”

On the retrofitting of the bridge, the CMD of MeECL said, “Besides IIT Guwahati Report, investigation on retrofitting of the bridge girder and deck slab is also being taken up with Central Soil & Material Research Station (CSMRS) for preparation of detailed report and estimate. After submission of the report further suitable action would be taken.”

In regards to load restrictions, the CMD informed that till June 30, vehicles upto 4MT only will be allowed to ply through the Umiam bridge and after June 30, vehicles up to 12 MT only to ensure long term safety and structural stability of the bridge.