BAHAWALPUR, Sept 9: The Panjnad headworks bridge, over 70 kilometres from here, closed on Sept 1 for heavy traffic is creating inconvenience for the public, Dawn has learnt.

Last year, on Aug 24, the bridge was closed for a month for heavy traffic.

The closure of the bridge for the second time has affected the commuters using public transport, who have to cross the bridge on foot.

Arrangements like standby wagons to transport the people across the bridge can save people from agony. Several private transporters have demanded opening of the bridge, which according to them, was strong enough to bear heavy transport.

The bridge was built in 1932 and in 1981 it was rehabilitated by the Highways Department. The bridge is 3,000-foot long and 24-foot wide.

Irrigation Chief Engineer Ghulam Husain Qadri said as the bridge was in dilapidated condition, heavy traffic was suspended on it to avoid any major accident. He said the highways department would rehabilitate the bridge.

PRIZES: Seven position-holders in BA and BSc examinations of the Islamia University, Bahawalpur, were awarded cash by Vice Chancellor Prof Belal A Khan.