The new Pamban bridge, a significant infrastructure project connecting Pamban Island to the mainland in Tamil Nadu, has faced controversy in recent days. A report from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) raised concerns about several lapses during the construction of the bridge, potentially compromising safety. However, Southern Railway has strongly defended the project, asserting that the bridge was built following the best construction practices and design standards. This article explores the ongoing controversy surrounding the bridge, the defense put forward by Southern Railway, and the concerns raised by local leaders.
Background of the Pamban Bridge Project
The Pamban bridge is crucial for enhancing connectivity between Pamban Island and the Indian mainland. This bridge is a vital transportation link for both locals and tourists, providing smoother travel. The new bridge is part of a modernization effort by Indian Railways to upgrade its infrastructure, ensuring safer and more efficient transport systems across the country. However, the completion of this bridge has been marred by significant concerns about its safety and design.
CRS Report Flags Safety Concerns
In his report, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), A M Chowdhary, highlighted several issues related to the construction and design of the Pamban bridge. One of the most significant concerns raised was the Railway Board’s decision to bypass the Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO) — a crucial body responsible for setting technical standards for railway infrastructure. The CRS report noted that the design of the vertical lift span of the bridge was done using non-standard codes and that RDSO’s involvement was intentionally excluded.
Despite these concerns, the CRS cleared the bridge for operations on the condition that these design flaws are rectified. The report questioned the technical decisions made during the bridge’s design and urged that these issues be addressed before it becomes fully operational.
Southern Railway’s Response to CRS Report
Southern Railway responded swiftly to the concerns raised in the CRS report. The railway authorities clarified that the design of the Pamban bridge was carried out by TYPSA, an international consultancy renowned for its expertise in designing complex infrastructure projects. Southern Railway stated that the bridge was constructed using state-of-the-art techniques and design methodologies, adhering to both European and Indian engineering codes.
To ensure the highest level of scrutiny, the design was proof-checked by two prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), IIT Madras and IIT Bombay. The railway authorities also emphasized that, as the project involved a foreign consultant, the Railway Board opted for an additional proof check to ensure the design met all necessary safety standards before construction began.
Furthermore, the modifications made to the RDSO design, specifically for the approach girders to meet local constraints, were also thoroughly reviewed and approved by IIT Madras and IIT Bombay.
Key Features of the Pamban Bridge Design
Southern Railway outlined several features of the bridge’s design to emphasize its safety and durability:
- Welding and Structural Integrity: The welding of all structural members, crucial for ensuring the bridge’s overall strength, was subjected to Phase Array Ultrasonic Testing. This was done 100% to guarantee the highest quality standards.
- Corrosion Protection: The bridge uses advanced corrosion protection techniques, including the application of polysiloxane paint, which is commonly used in extreme environments. This special painting scheme has a projected lifespan of 35 years, ensuring the bridge’s longevity.
- Innovative Materials: The bridge incorporates stainless-steel reinforcement in the reinforced concrete construction and fully welded box sections in the lift span. These materials are specifically chosen to prevent corrosion and increase durability.
- Safety Features: The Pamban bridge also integrates Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) in its pathways, handrails, and inspection areas, further enhancing its safety and longevity.
Local Leaders Express Concern Over Safety
Despite the assurances from Southern Railway, the Pamban bridge project has not been without criticism. Madurai MP Su Venkatesan raised concerns about the potential safety risks posed by the design flaws flagged by the CRS. Venkatesan accused the Railway Board of prioritizing speed over safety by bypassing RDSO norms, potentially putting the lives of the public at risk. He called on Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to provide clarity on the violations and to explain how the Railway Board allowed such decisions to be made.
Venkatesan’s concerns reflect a broader skepticism about the transparency and safety of large-scale infrastructure projects in India. Local residents and MPs have urged the government to address these issues promptly to avoid any future safety hazards.
Conclusion: Moving Forward with the Project
While the Pamban bridge has already been cleared for operation by the CRS, the concerns raised regarding its construction are not without merit. The debate between the Railway Board’s defense of the design and the safety warnings from the CRS highlights the importance of thorough and transparent evaluations for such crucial infrastructure projects.
The Railway Board has committed to rectifying the issues raised in the CRS report and ensuring the project meets all necessary standards for safety and quality. Moving forward, it will be essential for the authorities to balance development with stringent safety protocols to ensure that vital projects like the Pamban bridge do not compromise public safety.
Source:
TOI, Link to article
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