Will provide access to emergency vehicles
VASCO
The new Vasco Railway Over Bridge near Tanya Hotel is likely to have added height to provide access for emergency vehicles, but it could face waterlogging during the rains.
Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, along with the Deputy Collector, Mamlatdar, Traffic, and other officials, carried out the final inspection of the newly constructed Railway Over Bridge on Wednesday.
The bridge is set to be commissioned soon, with officials addressing key concerns regarding its functionality and potential challenges.
Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Salkar emphasised the importance of the new bridge in facilitating emergency services and improving connectivity.
“This bridge was the need of the hour. We proposed and got it sanctioned, and it is now almost ready. However, being in a low-lying area, the existing bridge faces waterlogging of up to 5 cm during heavy, incessant rains, though the water drains out later,” he explained.
Salkar highlighted plans to increase the height of the bridge pass from 3.2 metres to 4 metres to accommodate emergency vehicles like fire brigades.
“Currently, fire brigades must take a long route to reach areas such as Mestawada, Belabai, Orulem, and Mangor Hill. This heightened bridge pass will allow smoother and faster access to these areas during emergencies. However, increasing the height of the bridge could escalate the waterlogging issue in heavy rains, which we are working to address.”
To mitigate potential waterlogging, the MLA stated that the Railways have been asked to construct a new culvert in the area to facilitate faster drainage.
“We are planning for two culverts to ensure effective drainage during incessant rains. While the pass will function normally throughout the year, waterlogging might occur during heavy monsoons. If this happens, we may temporarily close the underpass and use pumps to manage flooding through disaster management measures,” he added.
Salkar assured residents that a permanent solution is being worked out.
“The possibility of waterlogging exists only for this monsoon, as the additional culvert may take some time to be completed. We request the people to bear with us and support our efforts. We are committed to resolving the issue permanently as soon as possible,” he said.
The new railway bridge, once operational, is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and emergency response times, despite the temporary challenges being addressed by the authorities.
