TINSUKIA, Dec 8 - Nation�s longest river bridge, Dr Bhupen Hazarika Setu connecting north and south bank of river Brahmaputra at Dhola-Sadiya, that was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 26 this year, will remain completely closed for the public on December 13 and 14 next.
Disclosing this at a press meet held at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner�s office here today, the Project Manager of Navayug Engineering Company, BS Raju stated that the safety measures of the bridge would be tested on these two days in presence of TPF Engineering Company, which has been entrusted with the task by the Ministry of Road Transport, Govt of India.
He further disclosed that Navayug company that built the bridge had been entrusted with the task of maintenance and safely of the bridge for next 12- and-a-half years. The company will conduct safety tests of the bridge every six months but in the subsequent tests the bridge will not be closed completely for the public.
The first test that will be conducted on December 13 and 14 will be a vital one for which the bridge has to be completely closed. In view of the closure of the bridge for two days, the district administration has taken some alternative measures to connect both the banks like the route through Kakopathar-Dirak�Tezu road to connect Sadiya with the mainland and resumption of ferry services with both government and private boats.
Speaking on these points, Gurnel Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner, who was also present in the press meet, said that the district administration had already taken up the matter with Arunachal Pradesh government and authorities concerned for boats.
Speaking on the issue of lighting facility on the bridge, Navayug company official informed that project for lighting with solar power will be installed after approval and subsequently closed circuit cameras will be installed on the bridge.
The press meet was also addressed by team leader of TPF Engineering, Prashant Bhattacharjee.
