Odisha Government Constitutes Expert Team for Technical Inspection of Berhampur Railway Over-Bridge
In response to a series of tragic road accidents, the Odisha state government has established a specialized three-member team from the works department to conduct a thorough technical inspection of the railway over-bridge (ROB) located at Haladiapadar, near Berhampur. This decisive action aims to identify any potential structural defects that may be contributing to the hazardous conditions on this critical infrastructure.
Recent Tragic Incident Spurs Government Action
The urgency of this inspection was heightened by a devastating accident on January 31, where five individuals lost their lives in a collision involving a truck and three motorcycles on the approach road of the ROB. This incident has intensified public concern and prompted immediate governmental intervention to address safety issues at the site.
Composition and Schedule of the Inspection Team
The inspection team comprises chief engineers from key divisions: the bridge design wing, research development and quality promotion, and planning investigation and procurement (PI&I) of road and building. They are scheduled to visit the Haladiapadar site on February 16 to perform a detailed assessment. The government has mandated that the team submit a comprehensive technical inspection report, including specific findings and actionable recommendations for necessary remedial measures to enhance safety.
Political Pressure and Public Outcry Drive the Initiative
This move follows significant public outcry and allegations from local political representatives regarding the bridge's construction quality. Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy wrote to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in October of last year, highlighting that frequent accidents in the area were due to faulty geometric constructions and a hazardous design of the ROB. He appealed for rectification of these design errors to prevent future tragedies.
Additionally, senior BJD leader and former Union minister Chandra Sekhar Sahu has urged Union Minister for Road, Transport and National Highways Nitin Gadkari to consider constructing a subway near the flyover at Haladiapadar as an alternative measure to mitigate road accidents. These political appeals underscore the growing demand for infrastructure improvements to ensure public safety.
Broader Implications for Infrastructure Safety
The formation of this expert team reflects a proactive approach by the Odisha government to address infrastructure safety concerns, particularly in regions prone to accidents. By focusing on technical evaluations and stakeholder feedback, the initiative aims to not only rectify existing issues but also set a precedent for future infrastructure projects to prioritize safety and design integrity.
