Adilabad: Vehicle movement on a crucial inter-state bridge spanning the Penganga river came to a grinding halt, disconnecting the states of Telangana and Maharashtra, as heavy rains in the upstream regions caused the river to swell. The high-level bridge, located at Dollara village in Jainath mandal, on National Highway 44, was closed since Saturday evening as a precautionary measure, owing to the water levels rising dangerously close to the bridge beams.
In the wake of the river’s alarming surge, authorities swiftly implemented traffic restrictions, prohibiting all vehicles except those with medical emergencies from crossing the bridge. Heavy vehicles, buses, cars, goods carriers, and containers were among the vehicles barred from entering Maharashtra through this route.
The closure had an immediate impact on the smooth flow of traffic, leaving hundreds of vehicles from Hyderabad and various parts of Telangana stranded along the national highway. The tailback extended up to 5 kilometers from the bridge, reaching the Bhoraj toll plaza. Similarly, vehicles from Maharashtra were also left stranded on the opposite side of the bridge, exacerbating the situation.
Inspector Naresh, overseeing the Jainath area, confirmed that the traffic suspension was enforced following directives from higher officials and the National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI). The safety of commuters and the structural integrity of the bridge remained the primary concern for the authorities.
As per officials, an NHAI assessment team will soon inspect the bridge thoroughly to gauge its condition amidst the onslaught of heavy rainfall and flooding. The team is expected to conduct a detailed evaluation, and its findings will form the basis of the decision-making process moving forward. The report compiled by the team will be crucial in determining when the bridge can be safely reopened for vehicular movement.
While the closure has disrupted travel plans for many and sparked concerns about transportation of goods and essential commodities, authorities are taking every precaution to ensure public safety. Commuters and traders are advised to seek alternative routes until the situation is deemed safe by the NHAI and other competent authorities.
As the weather remains unpredictable and rainfall continues to lash the region, the residents and authorities are keeping a close watch on the Penganga river’s water levels. Timely actions and prudent decisions are essential to restore connectivity between Telangana and Maharashtra and to prevent any untoward incidents due to the current flood situation.
The authorities assure the public that they are working diligently to resolve the situation and will prioritize the well-being of the people while undertaking the necessary bridge repairs and maintenance. Until then, commuters are urged to exercise caution, stay informed about updates from authorities, and cooperate with traffic management guidelines for their safety and the safety of others on the roads.
