The Melaghar-Telkajla steel footbridge in Tripura has become a major safety concern as damaged steel plates and large holes threaten pedestrians. Residents say the bridge has remained in poor condition despite earlier media reports and are demanding immediate inspection, repairs and safety measures.ย
Quick Glance
- Large holes have developed in several steel plates.
- The bridge is a key route for five panchayat areas.
- Residents fear a major accident could occur.
- The bridge was inaugurated in 2013.
- Locals say no effective repair work has started despite earlier reports.
- Residents want immediate inspection and restoration.
Melaghar (Tripura), August 08: The Melaghar-Telkajla steel footbridge in Tripura has become a growing safety concern. Large holes have developed in several steel plates on the suspended pedestrian bridge.
The damaged sections pose a serious risk to people who use the bridge every day. Residents say pedestrians have to negotiate the holes while crossing the structure.
The bridge connects Melaghar with Telkajla. It serves as an important route for people from five panchayat areas on the southern bank of the Gomati River.
However, prolonged neglect and a lack of regular maintenance have reportedly left the bridge in a deteriorating condition.
Damaged Steel Plates Raise Accident Fears
Several steel plates on the bridge have reportedly developed large holes. Some sections have deteriorated to the point where pedestrians face difficulty while crossing.
Residents fear that a simple misstep could result in a serious accident.
The concern becomes greater during busy hours when several people use the bridge at the same time. Pedestrians have reportedly been forced to remain alert while crossing the damaged portions.
Local residents also claimed that minor accidents have already taken place on the bridge.
They now fear that the damaged structure could lead to a major accident unless authorities act quickly.
Important Route for Local Residents
The footbridge plays an important role in the daily lives of people living in the surrounding areas.
Residents from five panchayat areas on the southern bank of the Gomati River reportedly depend on the bridge for regular movement.
For many, it provides a convenient pedestrian connection between Melaghar and Telkajla.
The deteriorating condition has therefore created concern beyond the immediate users of the bridge.
Residents say repairing the damaged sections should be treated as a priority because the bridge remains an important public-use infrastructure.
Media Reports Highlighted Condition Earlier
The deteriorating condition of the bridge had reportedly received media attention around a month ago.
Residents had hoped that the reports would prompt the authorities to inspect the structure and begin repair work.
However, they claim that no significant repair initiative has been visible so far.
The delay has increased concerns among regular users.
Residents say the condition is worsening with time. They fear that waiting longer could increase the possibility of a serious accident.
Bridge Inaugurated in 2013
The suspended steel footbridge leading towards Telkajla was inaugurated in 2013 by then Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar.
The bridge has been in use for more than a decade.
Over the years, different parts of the structure have reportedly suffered damage.
Residents allege that the deterioration has continued because of inadequate maintenance.
They say the current condition highlights the need for regular inspection and timely repairs of public infrastructure.
Residents Question Delay in Action
The continued deterioration has also raised questions about the response of the concerned department.
Residents want to know why effective repair measures have not been initiated despite the issue being highlighted earlier.
They fear that authorities may respond only after a major accident occurs.
Residents instead want preventive action before any serious incident takes place.
They have urged the concerned department to inspect the bridge without further delay.
Demand for Immediate Safety Measures
Residents have demanded urgent repairs to the damaged steel plates and other vulnerable sections of the bridge.
They have also sought temporary safety arrangements until permanent restoration work is completed.
A detailed inspection could help identify all damaged portions of the structure, they said.
The immediate priority, according to local residents, should be to ensure safe passage for pedestrians.
The Melaghar-Telkajla steel footbridge remains an important link for people in the area. Residents now want the authorities to act before the deteriorating structure becomes the site of a major accident.
For those who depend on the bridge every day, timely intervention could prevent a potential tragedy.
