SHILLONG:
Power Minister AT Mondal on Tuesday said that the date for lifting the Umiam bridge will soon be determined.
“On the day the bridge will be lifted, we will go for a complete closure and ensure no vehicle is allowed to ply through the bridge for four to eight hours,” Mondal informed.
He mentioned that the department will convene with the coordination committee, which includes MeECL, PWD, Transport department, district administrations (East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi), and police, to decide on the matter.
“After the meeting, we will fix the exact date when we will lift (the Umiam bridge) for replacing the bearings,” he added, advising vehicles to use existing alternative routes available to reach their destinations.
Mondal also disclosed that the repairing of the dam would take an additional 3-4 months to complete.
Regarding vehicle access during the operation, Mondal explained, “At present, heavy vehicles are not allowed to ply as only small vehicles are allowed to pass through the dam. However, on the day the bridge will be lifted, we will go for a complete closure for four to eight hours. After the bridge has been lifted in its required position, ramps will be put on both sides of the bridge, allowing small vehicles (not exceeding 4 MT) and ambulances to pass through. Similarly, on the day when we lower the bridge after replacing the bearing, no vehicle will be allowed to pass through the dam.”
