10 April 2004	Saturday	19 Safar 1425

SADIQABAD, April 9: The Railway overhead bridge, which was built about 20 years ago during the late Ziaul Haq regime, is in a run-down condition.

The idea of constructing an overhead bridge was initially floated by the defence authorities because of the close proximity of the Indian border from Sadiqabad.

There was a regular flow of army vehicles to the border area and much time was wasted in the absence of any bridge. In addition, the frequent closure of level-crossing to the western side of the railway station forced the authorities concerned to build the overhead bridge to ease the vehicular traffic.

The bridge, which was completed at a huge cost, was handed over to the local municipal authority for proper maintenance. However, the wear and tear on it started soon owing to the use of substandard material, but no concrete renovation work had ever been undertaken.

Only part-time repairs had been in practice that had made the condition of the bridge worse within few years of its construction. Big holes and cavities have now appeared on the bridge, forcing the authorities to close it for heavy traffic after erecting barricades.

Some six months back, the provincial government had announced that it would build a new overhead bridge near the old one. The district and tehsil council authorities had already started its planning a year back. The feasibility report was in the final stages some months ago, but since then no progress has been made in this respect.

At present, only the light traffic is allowed on the bridge while the heavy traffic has been diverted to distant route, causing inconvenience to commuters and wastage of both time and fuel. Social worker Rana Arshad Javaid has called upon the authorities concerned to either build a new overhead bridge or renovate the existing one to avoid any accident.