GUWAHATI: All vehicular traffics have been off the Old Saraighat Bridge in Guwahati for three days, but the renovation work of the bridge has not been started as yet. The reason, according to NF Railway sources, is nonissuance of the no-objection certificate (NOC) for the repair work to NF Railway by Dispur.
According to NF Railway officials, all the slabs of the bridge are to be replaced with new ones. The work, according to the NF Railway officials, is to take three months.
When asked on the reasons behind Dispur not issuing the NOC even today, NF Railway sources said that Dispur is examining the matter on a trial basis.
“It is ascertaining if will at all be possible to sustain the traffic congestion to be experienced for about three months till the completion of repai works. Dispur is examining the matter before issuing the NOC,” an NF Railway official said. The would-be expenditure of the bridge, according to the official, is Rs 10 crore.
Meanwhile, traffic snarl is a regular scene in the area because of blocking the bridge for vehicular traffic. It is worth mentioning here that traffic congestion was very much on that road even when both the bridges were open. It seems during the next three months traffic congestion is set to affect people on this one of the busiest roads in Guwahati.
What is even more apprehensive is that cost and time overruns in project implementation are a regular problem in Assam. If the renovation of the Old Saraighat Bridge also takes time more than three months, the traffic situation may escalate further.
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