Northeast Desk, 29th May: Meghalaya Power Minister A T Mondal has announced that the construction and repair work on the Umiam Bridge is anticipated to be finalized by the end of July or the beginning of August.
Initially slated for completion by June, Mondal attributed the extended timeline to alterations in the construction plan. Originally, the plan involved laying a bitumen surface on the road. However, this was later replaced with an RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) surface, which necessitates a curing time of 28 days.
Mondal clarified, “The primary difference between the two is that vehicles can immediately pass once the bitumen surface has been laid, whereas RCC surfaces require a curing time of 28 days. Hence, additional time is necessary.”
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma echoed the sentiments, assuring the public of ongoing measures for the safety and stability of the Umiam Bridge. Taking to Twitter, Sangma urged cooperation from the public, emphasizing that construction would continue till June.
Providing an update on the progress, Sangma stated, “At present, 60 per cent of the drilling and grouting works have been completed. The bridge bearings have been refurbished. After refurbishment, the bridge has again been brought back to its original position.”
Despite the extended timeline, authorities remain committed to ensuring the long-term safety and structural stability of the bridge, underscoring the importance of the ongoing repair works.
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