Crack on bridge disrupts traffic on NH-143

Traffic on the busy NH-143 near Panposh in Odisha's Sundargarh district came to a halt today as a bridge on river Brahmani developed a crack thereby making it dangerous for plying of heavy vehicles.
A hole appeared on the bridge, known as Panposh Bridge, triggering panic among people and the administration immediately stopped plying of all heavy vehicles, barring long distance buses and school buses.
"Yes, a hole has appeared on the bridge. However, there is nothing to fear as repair work is being undertaken by the department concerned," Sundargarh district Collector B S Punia said after taking stock of the situation.

Movement of vehicles on the bridge, which has been stopped, would be allowed only after getting a no objection from the department concerned, he said.
Stoppage of vehicular movement on the bridge due to the hole measuring one feet in width and two feet in length, led to a massive traffic pile up and trucks lined up on both sides of the bridge.
The administration made a verification with technical experts, consisting engineers from the NH and Roads and Buildings department.
Punia said it was an old bridge but there was nothing to be afraid of as repair works would be completed soon to make it fit for vehicular movement.