KOLKATA: State urban development minister Firhad Hakim carried out an inspection of the VIP Road-bound arm of Ultadanga flyover following reports of twin cracks just before the exit point. After discussing the issue with KMDA engineers, Hakim assured that the crack between the approach embankment was superficial and did not compromise the flyover's safety. The other gap in the parapet wall was the way it had been constructed and not a crack.
"No crack has occurred in the main structure of the flyover. KMDA had sent me a report on this matter on Wednesday. There is no cause for worry. We are constantly monitoring all the bridges by carrying out structural health audits," Hakim said.
KMDA engineers said the brick-work portion where the crack has occurred will be demolished and further inspections will be conducted to check the condition of the flyover's inner structure before it is walled up afresh.
Bridge experts told TOI the cracks had happened due to soil displacement that had occurred after 2019, when urgent repairs had last been carried out after a crack was spotted in one of the piers. A KMDA engineer also acknowledged there was settlement within the retaining walls.
KMDA also announced plans to engage agencies for repair of Dhana Dhanya Setu in Alipore and Bankim Setu in Howrah, and for round-the-year maintenance of 10 bridges across the city.
Officials said a health study of the Dhana Dhanya Setu had identified some structural damage that required repairs. Similar repairs were needed on Bankim Setu. In addition, uprooting of trees, sweeping, cleaning, repairs and routine maintenance of the carriageway were required on 10 bridges, flyovers and ROBs, including Bijan Setu, Dhakuria bridge, Karunamoyee bridge, Kamalgazi flyover, Sonarpur ROB, Maniktala steel bridge and Sampriti flyover. The authorities are also gearing up for repairs of Chingrighata flyover and Bagmari bridge.
