Kolkata: Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authoritys (KMDA) health study of Baghajatin Bridge has revealed that inferior quality of material was used in the construction of the bridge that contributed to significant damage to its structure. "The health report of eight major bridges in the city has already been prepared. Baghajatin Bridge was constructed in the year 2010. But due to use of low quality material it has been badly damaged and being a very busy bridge the risk factor is very much there. I have directed CEO KMDA to examine the provisions under terms of agreement and tender and take action against the construction agency," said Firhad Hakim, Chairman of KMDA. KMDA sources said that a composite bridge structure will be set up just beside the Baghajatin Bridge with steel support to strengthen the bridge without dismantling it. We have already prepared the DPR and have submitted the details to the Finance department for sanction of funds," said the source. KMDA will spend Rs 34 crores for the rejuvenation of the Baghajatin flyover and hopes to float the tender this month itself. Another bridge that has suffered serious damage is the 60 year old Kalighat bridge over Tolly Nullah. "We will now repair it so that it can suffice for two to three years. But in the mean time we will proceed gradually for complete replacement of the bridge and constructing it afresh," a senior KMDA official The bridges weight bearing capacity has been highly compromised and the acidic vapour from the waters of Tolly Nullah has corroded parts underneath the bridge making it vulnerable. The design of the Chingrighata flyover has been found to be faulty. "We have plans to come up with a flyover from Chingrighata to New Town via Salt Lake Sector V. We will now repair the existing flyover so that it is fit for traffic movement for two -three years. Once the new flyover is complete the existing one will be dismantled," the official added. Five other bridges -Sealdah flyover, Bijon Setu over the railway line in Ballygunge, Chetla Bridge, Aurobindo Setu that links Ultadanga with Gouribari crossing and Ultadanga Flyover has suffered less damage and can be restored by repair work. The six member committee set up by the government for assessment of the bridges and flyovers in the city post the caving in of Majerhat Bridge in September 2018.

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