New Son River bridge near Shyamdih raises safety concerns at both ends

Shahdol: The newly constructed bridge over the Son River near Shyamdih is being used by people and vehicles, but serious concerns have been raised about the lack of safety arrangements at both ends of the bridge.

It is not known whether traffic on the bridge has been officially opened. However, the situation at the spot is that people are using the bridge for movement.

The condition seen at the bridge and in the pictures that have emerged is concerning. The most serious issue is at the points where vehicles come down from the bridge. On both the right and left sides of the road, there appears to be a deep slope and open space below immediately after the paved portion of the bridge ends.

At these points, no sufficient safety barriers are visible along the edges of the road. There also appears to be no arrangement that could prevent a vehicle from losing control and falling down the slope.

Safety gaps at both ends

The possible risk becomes more serious when vehicles are moving down from the bridge. If a vehicle crosses the bridge at high speed and loses balance while descending, the driver may not get enough time to regain control. Similarly, if two vehicles move towards the edge to give way to each other, even a small mistake could lead to a major accident.

The danger could be greater at night, when visibility is low. In such conditions, a driver may find it difficult to judge where the safe portion of the bridge ends and how deep the slope is on both sides ahead.

The pictures clearly show that the approach roads at both ends of the bridge, along with protection along the edges, need particular attention. Uneven filling of soil and stones can also be seen at the site.

Installing railings only on the bridge would not be enough. Both sections where the road descends from the bridge must also be made safe. Proper protection is needed along the approach roads so that vehicles can be prevented from going off the edge if they lose control.

Simply constructing a bridge is not enough. Safe movement of people and vehicles is also necessary.

Approach roads need protection

In the construction of any bridge, safe approach roads on both sides, a proper slope, levelling and strong side protection are important. When vehicles are already moving across a bridge, these arrangements become even more necessary.

The situation at the Son River bridge in Shyamdih has raised questions about whether the approach roads and the edges at both ends were checked for safety before people and vehicles began using the structure.

The question is whether the administration is waiting for a major accident. It also needs to be asked whether the concerned departments have tested the safety of both ends from where vehicles come down from the bridge.

Administration urged to act

The district administration, the Public Works Department and the concerned construction agency should immediately inspect the site. Strong safety barriers should be installed on the right and left sides of both ends of the bridge. Crash barriers should also be provided wherever necessary.

The approach roads should be made safe, warning signs should be installed and arrangements for night-time safety should be ensured. Until the necessary safety measures are put in place, immediate precautionary arrangements should be made to make movement safer.

Another question is whether any officer has visited the site and checked how safe the vehicles passing through the area, and the people travelling in them, actually are.

It would be better for the administration to act now than to order an inquiry and fix responsibility after a major accident. The question remains: why should the system feel the need to improve only after someone loses their life?

This is not a matter of political allegations and counter-allegations. It concerns the lives and safety of ordinary citizens. The administration is expected to take immediate cognisance of the situation and ensure the necessary action.