Kolkata (August 22,2023) : A part of the Bankim Setu collapsed on Monday during repair work. The incident took place at around 11:30 AM, when a section of the concrete slab on the bridge's cable duct fell down. The collapse caused a traffic jam on the bridge, which connects Kolkata with Howrah. The police and fire brigade were called to the scene, and they cordoned off the area.
No one was injured in the incident. However, the collapse has raised concerns about the safety of the bridge. The Bankim Setu is a major arterial road in Kolkata, and it is used by thousands of people every day. The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), which is responsible for the maintenance of the bridge, has ordered an inquiry into the collapse. The KMDA has also said that the repair work on the bridge will be suspended until the inquiry is completed.
The collapse of the Bankim Setu is a major setback for the KMDA. The bridge was supposed to be repaired by February 2024, but the collapse has set back the schedule by several months. The KMDA has said that it will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the bridge. However, the collapse has raised questions about the quality of the repair work that was being done.
The KMDA has also been criticized for not taking adequate measures to prevent the collapse. The bridge is a major infrastructure asset, and the KMDA should have taken all necessary precautions to ensure its safety. The collapse of the Bankim Setu is a reminder of the importance of infrastructure safety. The KMDA and other government agencies should take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the bridges and other infrastructure assets in Kolkata.