B category bridges in Uttarakhand will be upgraded to A category, formation of PMU approved

Emphasis is being laid on increasing and strengthening the infrastructure in Uttarakhand. In this episode, now it has been decided to upgrade hundreds of bridges. Under which now the bridges of the state will be able to bear the weight of the heaviest vehicles and machinery. After getting approval from the Government of India in February this year, the capacity of the bridges of the state is being increased.

Many benefits of increasing the capacity of bridges: This decision is also considered strategically important for the state adjoining the international border. Because, increasing the capacity of bridges will not only help the industry related works but also the movement of the army.

There are about 2,000 small and big bridges in Uttarakhand. Out of which more than 300 bridges of B category have been identified. Which will be upgraded to A category. The special thing is that the bridges will be upgraded with a project costing about Rs 1640 crore. 20 percent of its cost will be borne by the state government and 80 percent by the Asian Development Bank.

The state government had decided to form a project management unit to upgrade these bridges. In such a situation, during the Dhami cabinet meeting held on July 9, a proposal was made by the Public Works Department to form a project management unit, which has been approved by the cabinet.

Along with approving the formation of the project management unit, the cabinet has also approved 49 posts for this unit. The PWD secretary or a senior IAS officer can be given the responsibility as the head of this project. In such a situation, after the formation of the project management unit, this unit will study to increase the carrying capacity of the bridges of the state.

What is A and B category: Along with this, it will also work towards upgrading more than 300 B category bridges identified in the state to A category. The load capacity of the bridge in B category is about 50 to 55 tonnes. In such a situation, after upgrading it to A category, the load bearing capacity of the bridges will be around 70 tonnes.