Crack on Rewa Bridge Forces Heavy Vehicle Ban Until April 30
In a significant development impacting regional connectivity, heavy vehicles have been prohibited from using a bridge over the Bihad river in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district. The ban, effective until April 30, was imposed after a crack was discovered on the structure, disrupting a crucial route to neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, as confirmed by police on Wednesday.
Traffic Diverted Through Alternate Routes
Following the bridge closure approximately two days ago, authorities have rerouted heavy vehicles destined for Prayagraj and Varanasi. These vehicles are now being directed through the Maihar-Satna-Chitrakoot route, according to an official statement. This diversion aims to mitigate the impact on freight and passenger movement along this vital corridor.
Bridge Details and Repair Efforts
The affected overpass, situated about 5 kilometers from the district headquarters, was constructed around two decades ago, as disclosed by an anonymous official. Repairs are currently underway to address the structural issue. The official noted that Collector Pratibha Pal is the appropriate authority for further information, given her coordination role with the Public Works Department and the National Highways Authority of India. However, attempts to contact the collector for additional details were unsuccessful.
Traffic Congestion and Management Measures
The sudden closure has led to significant traffic disruptions, including a nearly kilometer-long jam on National Highway 30 in Maihar late Tuesday night. In response, police teams have been deployed along the highway to manage the increased traffic flow and prevent further congestion. Officials have also installed signs at multiple locations to guide motorists through the route diversions, ensuring smoother navigation during this period.
The incident highlights the challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure and its effects on regional transport networks, with authorities working to restore normalcy by the end of April.
