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An excavator working at the location where an alternative bridge is being built over Dhansiri River at Kuda village, Dimapur. (EM Images)[/caption]
Esther Verma
Dimapur, Jan. 11 (EMN): The ancient bridge above Dhansiri River in Kuda ‘B’ Khel, Nagarjan has been shut for more than 6 months, compelling citizens of Dimapur to face the unpleasant and horrid traffic chaos on the highway. The past few days, rumours of its reopening has been doing the rounds leaving commuters confused whether to take the Nagarjan road.
“There is a risk factor and nobody wants to take responsibility but the bridge can support vehicular movement as of now” said a highly reliable source.
It was informed that various bodies of Kuda village and the Executive Engineer, SDO of PWD (R&B) had a meeting at Kuda Youth Hall to discuss the opening of the old bridge to “ease and lighten” the traffic all over Dimapur. “We are just waiting for the government to give the green light,” said the same source.
Members of various bodies of Kuda village have taken the initiative to fix the crack that was formed due to heavy rainfall and rise in water level last year, and also set up bar posts. Since the new bridge is also being constructed simultaneously, excavators, 12-tyre trucks and pick-up trucks loaded with construction material have been crossing the bridge every day.
Livika who is a daily commuter past the bridge said that she parks her car on the other side of the bridge and crosses over on foot to go to town on autorickshaws. “I live in Thilixu and to avoid the heavy traffic on the highway I have no choice but to leave my car and take an auto,” she said.
Neil, another daily commuter is building a house in Naharbari and has to take an auto after crossing the bridge. He said that just to reach his construction site, he has to “haggle and bargain” with auto rickshaw drivers every day since they “tend to take advantage” of passengers who have no other option.
A member of Kuda Youth club also said that most importantly experts like engineers and technicians are needed for inspection before the reopening and not just government officials.
Till further notice, the bridge will be remained closed and was informed that only during valid “emergency requirements” like funeral or ambulances, the makeshift gates will be opened for now but at the risk of the commuters.