Navi Mumbai: The Raigad district administration has imposed an immediate ban on the movement of heavy vehicles over eight bridges after a structural audit revealed that these structures are in a dangerously weakened state. District Collector Kishan Jawale issued the order in light of the growing safety concerns, particularly during the ongoing monsoon.
Audit Flags Weak Structures
The audit, conducted by Vijna Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd., found that the load-bearing capacity of several key bridges and slab culverts had drastically reduced, with some able to support only 5 tonnes. These bridges are located along important routes including Alibag-Roha, Alibag-Revadanda, Poynad-Usar-Bhadane, and Bhakarwad-Dehen.
Bridges Across Key Routes Affected
Among the affected bridges are five located on the Alibag–Roha route (State Highway 91), which include Ramraj Bridge (20/340), Slab Culvert (21/680), Slab Culvert (22/250), and two Sudkoli Bridges (26/260 and 26/540), each with a load capacity of just 5 tonnes.
The Sahan Bridge (2/100) on the Alibag–Revadanda road (State Highway 04) was found to have a capacity of 16 tonnes. On the Poynad–Usar–Bhadane road (State Highway 90), the Navedar Bailey Bridge (26/900) was deemed unsafe with a 5-tonne capacity, while the Dehen Bridge (1/100) on the Bhakarwad–Dehen road (District Road 29) was also limited to 5 tonnes.
Alternate Routes Suggested
To manage traffic disruption, the administration has advised alternate routes. For the five bridges on the Alibag–Roha stretch, vehicles can divert via Pezari Naka, Kudus, Velashet, Ambegarh, and Bhise Khind to reach Roha.
For the Sahan and Navedar Bailey bridges, traffic can be rerouted through Usar and Wave to reach Revadanda. For the Dehen Bridge, an alternate path via Pandwa Devi, Poynad, Pezari, and Shrigav has been suggested.
Strict Penalties for Violators
The district collector has appealed to all motorists and transporters to strictly follow the order, stressing that the bridges have become increasingly vulnerable due to heavy rainfall.
The restrictions will remain in force until further notice. Officials have also warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the directive.
