BRO installs minor permanent bridge at Chitrey

GANGTOK, 11 Dec: Chief Engineer, Project Swastik of the Border Roads Organisation, SS Porwal, today dedicated a “minor permanent bridge” at Chitrey on the NH 31A [Km 29.6 on National Highway 10 (Old NH-31A)].
An official press release informs that officers, personnel and labourers of 764 BRTF and 87 RCC were present for the inauguration ceremony during which the Chief Engineer appreciated the hard work and dedication of all officers, personnel and labourers engaged in the bridge construction.
This bridge, the release informs, is situated between Tista and Melli bridges in West Bengal and one of the troublespots because the earlier bridge was narrow, allowing only one-way span at a time.
Mr. Porwal further informs that one more trouble spot, the Lepcha Jhora  Bailey Bridge between Tista Bridge and Melli was affecting smooth traffic flow and that the DPR for construction of a minor bridge ahead of this bridge has been sent to Ministry of Road Transport & Highways [MORTH].
Out of the 80 km stretch from Coronation Bridge to Ranipool, only 38 Km has been sanctioned by MORTH for improvement, out of which work is underway on 36 Kms, he informs.
Sanction for Balance 42 KMs and Rangpo Viaduct and Lohapul Viaduct are yet to be received from MORTH, he informs. Meanwhile, improvement of JNM Road (Nathula Road) has recommenced from Mile 18 and “all out efforts are underway to achieve maximum possible progress before snowfall” [the stretch between Shertahang Trade Mart to Nathula being accorded highest priority’, he informs further.
“The trouble spot at 9 Mile on JNM Road, which was very steep and causing lot of problems to all types of vehicles have already been improved in November and traders could take the loaded vehicles without any problem to Sherthang Mart. All officers/personnel of Project Swastik and 758 BRTF and 764 BRTF putting their best efforts to improve road infrastructure in Sikkim with all available resources and sanctions available,” the release concludes.