Canal Bridges at Risk of Collapse!: Public Safety in Jeopardy as Heavy Vehicles Use Aging Canal Structures
CMS Admin | Jul 01, 2025, 13:35 IST
Heads up, folks! The Uttarakhand High Court is seriously worried about those old canal bridges everyone uses, especially with all the heavy trucks rumbling over them. This guy, Raghunath Singh Negi, raised a red flag, pointing out these bridges were built way back in '65.
Highlights
- Uttarakhand High Court summons officials over aging canal bridges.
- PIL warns of potential collapse due to heavy vehicle traffic.
- Alternative routes exist, but vehicle owners ignore them for cost.
The Uttarakhand High Court has summoned state officials to address the safety of aging canal bridges used by heavy vehicles. A public interest litigation (PIL) prompted the court's action, citing the risk of collapse due to these bridges exceeding their load capacity. The chief secretary and the public works department secretary are to appear via video conferencing on Wednesday. The petitioner, Raghunath Singh Negi, warns of potential disaster if heavy vehicle traffic continues on these structures.
The High Court bench, comprising Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari, termed the situation "critical". They acknowledged the concerns raised by Negi regarding the bridges built over canals from the Aasan Barrage in Dehradun. Negi's PIL contends these 1965-era bridges are now dangerously overburdened.
“The state govt has neither repaired nor replaced these bridges, which have exceeded their designed lifespan and are at risk of collapse. Allowing heavy vehicles to use them would be dangerous,” Negi said.
Originally designed for light traffic, the bridges have borne the weight of heavy vehicles for years, particularly due to state-authorized mining operations. This continuous heavy usage has significantly compromised the structural integrity of the bridges, according to the PIL. Independent survey agencies have also expressed safety concerns and withheld approval for heavy vehicle operations on these bridges.
The state government admitted to the court that a ban on heavy vehicles using these bridges currently exists. However, it argued for reconsidering the ban due to the financial implications for vehicle owners and the perceived lack of alternative routes.
“A catastrophic incident could occur at any time unless heavy vehicles are prohibited and restoration work is undertaken immediately,” Negi added.
![Aging Canal Bridge Under Strain]()
Negi countered the state's argument by pointing out an existing alternative route located approximately 15-16 km away. He stated that vehicle owners choose to ignore this alternative to minimize fuel expenses. He stressed the urgency of the situation and implored the court to intervene swiftly to prevent a potential disaster. He urges immediate action to prevent potential collapse and ensure public safety. The hearing is scheduled to resume on Wednesday. The court's decision is anticipated to significantly impact the safety of commuters and the future of these aging bridges.
![modi and shah]()
The High Court bench, comprising Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari, termed the situation "critical". They acknowledged the concerns raised by Negi regarding the bridges built over canals from the Aasan Barrage in Dehradun. Negi's PIL contends these 1965-era bridges are now dangerously overburdened.
“The state govt has neither repaired nor replaced these bridges, which have exceeded their designed lifespan and are at risk of collapse. Allowing heavy vehicles to use them would be dangerous,” Negi said.
Originally designed for light traffic, the bridges have borne the weight of heavy vehicles for years, particularly due to state-authorized mining operations. This continuous heavy usage has significantly compromised the structural integrity of the bridges, according to the PIL. Independent survey agencies have also expressed safety concerns and withheld approval for heavy vehicle operations on these bridges.
The state government admitted to the court that a ban on heavy vehicles using these bridges currently exists. However, it argued for reconsidering the ban due to the financial implications for vehicle owners and the perceived lack of alternative routes.
“A catastrophic incident could occur at any time unless heavy vehicles are prohibited and restoration work is undertaken immediately,” Negi added.
Aging Canal Bridge Under Strain
Negi countered the state's argument by pointing out an existing alternative route located approximately 15-16 km away. He stated that vehicle owners choose to ignore this alternative to minimize fuel expenses. He stressed the urgency of the situation and implored the court to intervene swiftly to prevent a potential disaster. He urges immediate action to prevent potential collapse and ensure public safety. The hearing is scheduled to resume on Wednesday. The court's decision is anticipated to significantly impact the safety of commuters and the future of these aging bridges.
modi and shah