Triggering panic among the commuters, the BMC flyover late Tuesday evening developed a 40-ft-long crack and depressions due to which the vehicular traffic was reportedly stopped to pass through. Not only did the flyover develop a long crack, but concrete beneath it also became loose.
As per the eye witnesses, a major tragedy has been averted as people reported the crack on time and police too reached the spot immediately. Besides, police personnel remained at the site till morning to keep a check on the route.
The residents also alleged the poor quality of material used, could be one of the reasons behind flyover developing cracks within 8-9 years. They said that the flyover since long was having cracks, but the authorities concerned paid no heed towards its maintenance. “Now when a 40 ft long crack has developed, it has awakened the authorities. God Forbid, if any accident would have taken place, who’s to be blamed then”, questioned Pritpal, a resident.
As per information procured by TrueScoop from the officials, this flyover was built in 2010 by the Jalandhar Improvement Trust at the cost of Rs 20 crore. Reportedly, teams of MC, JIT and a technical team from Chandiagrh have visited the site to ascertain the reason behind the massive crack.
Meanwhile, when questioned the quality and defects liability period of the flyover from the officials of Municipal Corporation Jalandhar, they said though they had taken the required action, the Jalandhar Improvement Trust (JIT) is answerable for the liability and quality part, on the other hand the officials of Trust are saying soon after the completion of flyover in 2011, it was handed over to Municipal Corporation Jalandhar for further maintenance.
MC Commissioner Karunesh Sharma, who was present on the spot this afternoon, while briefing the media, said that overloaded vehicles causes’ pressure on the flyover surface sometimes and it develops cracks. “Technical team has already visited, and within 4 to 5 days will repair the cracks”, he added.