Prayagraj: The Chandrashekhar Azad Bridge, popularly known as Phaphamau Bridge, will reopen for heavy vehicles after September 30, authorities have announced.
While two- and four-wheeler vehicles will be allowed to cross from September 25, buses and trucks will have to wait until the bridge is deemed fully capable of handling heavier loads.
Officials from the PWD National Highway Department have stated that they will monitor the expansion joints and overall structural strength for four days before allowing heavy traffic.
This measure is intended to ensure that the passage of buses, trucks, and other large vehicles does not cause damage or compromise safety.
According to Assistant Engineer Vishal Seth, concrete work on the lane leading from Phaphamau towards the city was completed on September 21.
A minimum seven-day waiting period has been prescribed before heavy vehicles are allowed, ensuring that the joints fully cure and reach optimal strength. Lighter vehicles like cars, jeeps, and motorcycles can safely use the bridge starting September 25.
The repair work on the seven expansion joints began on September 10, while the other lane, measuring 7.25 meters in width, has been undergoing overlay work since September 22.
The department plans to complete this by September 24. Executive Engineer Ravindra Pal Singh confirmed that preparations are on track for the phased reopening: lighter vehicles first, followed by heavy vehicles after September 30.
Daily Hardship for Commuters
The Phaphamau Bridge serves as a critical artery for the city, with several lakh people crossing it daily. During the repair period, residents and daily commuters have faced immense inconvenience.
Detours, traffic jams, and extended travel times have disrupted the daily routine of city dwellers, particularly for office-goers, transporters, and school-going students.
While authorities emphasize safety, many locals express concerns about the overall quality and durability of the bridge.
The Phaphamau Bridge, constructed in 1988, is just 37 years old, yet it requires major structural repairs. In comparison, bridges built during the British era, such as the bridge over the Yamuna in Naini, completed in 1865, remain sturdy and fully functional even after more than 150 years, without showing significant signs of degeneration.
This comparison has raised questions among citizens and engineers alike about the construction standards, materials, and long-term durability of modern bridges
. If the British-era bridges, built with simpler technology, continue to withstand decades of heavy use, why does a comparatively newer structure like Phaphamau require frequent repairs?
Quality and Safety Concerns
Experts argue that the frequent maintenance of the Phaphamau Bridge could indicate compromised construction quality or substandard materials.
While the PWD assures that the current repairs will strengthen the bridge, public skepticism remains, especially considering the sheer volume of traffic it supports daily.
Ensuring long-term structural integrity is crucial not just for convenience but for preventing potential catastrophic failures that could endanger thousands of commuters.
As the city awaits the reopening of the bridge for all types of vehicles, the repair works serve as a reminder of the importance of engineering quality, regular maintenance, and public accountability.
While temporary inconvenience is inevitable, citizens hope that the authorities will guarantee that modern infrastructure can match the enduring durability of historical structures, ensuring safety and reliability for decades to come.
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