Chandigarh: After nearly seven months, the Chandigarh MC is set to undertake a full-scale makeover of the causeway — also referred to as the low-height bridge — located on the road connecting Industrial Area, Phase-1, to Chandigarh Railway Station.The MC engineering department has prepared and approved a financial estimate of around Rs 40 lakh to float a tender for selection of a suitable contractor for complete repair and strengthening of the structure. The estimate was finalised after senior engineering officials conducted physical inspection of the causeway and assessed its technical condition, with special focus on the strength of the wing wall.A major component of the upcoming repair work involves correcting the slope of the bridge to prevent recurrent water stagnation. At present, the bridge has a reverse slope, resulting in water collecting on the surface. This has repeatedly led to damage, prompting officials to prioritise proper slope correction as an essential measure. The plan also includes construction of additional drainage to effectively channelise water flow during rainfall or periods of heavy discharge in the Sukhna Choe. As part of safety measures, iron railings will be installed on both sides of the causeway to protect commuters and vehicles.According to sources, the causeway suffered multiple instances of damage last year during the monsoon season. The rapid flow of water passing through Sukhna Choe caused structural deterioration, particularly at the corners of the bridge. The strong current also washed away the iron railings that had been installed for safety. This recurring damage underscored the need for a comprehensive repair plan.Officials said that with financial approval now granted, the tender process will begin in the coming days. All technical requirements — including specifications related to strength, structural stability and user safety — will be incorporated in the tender documents. The selected contractor will be required to adhere strictly to all terms and conditions during execution of the project. Senior engineering officers will conduct periodic monitoring to ensure that the work is carried out according to approved standards and norms.The causeway is situated on the Sukhna Choe and forms an important link for vehicles travelling from Industrial Area, Phase-1, towards the Chandigarh Railway Station. It has experienced repeated damage in recent years. During heavy rains last year, the structure was affected when excess water was released from the Sukhna Lake, increasing the water volume and flow in the Choe. A similar situation occurred in 2022, when the wing walls of the causeway were badly damaged due to high-speed water currents triggered by heavy rainfall and discharge from the lake. Following this extensive damage, the causeway remained closed for a long duration before reopening fully in Jan 2024 after repair works were completed.Sources added that the bridge was originally constructed in 1998 and was designed at a low level to allow slow-moving water to pass through large pipes beneath the structure, while fast-moving water could flow over the surface during high-volume periods. However, the rapid flow of water in recent years has caused repeated deterioration of the wing walls, making structural strengthening a priority for the MC this year.Box: Busy Route The causeway on the Sukhna Choe is among the busiest routes in Chandigarh, used daily by thousands of commuters. Heavy traffic from Panchkula, Manimajra, the Chandigarh Railway Station, Daria and other adjoining areas enters the city through this route, making it one of the most crucial traffic links in the region.Plan to undo heavy damageCauseway repeatedly damaged due to rapid water flow in Sukhna Choe, especially during last year’s monsoon Corners of the bridge suffered major deterioration from the strong current Iron railings installed for commuter and vehicle safety were washed away Wing walls were badly damaged in 2022 as well after heavy rains and release of excess water from Sukhna Lake Reverse slope on the bridge caused stagnation of water, contributing to recurring damage Structural issues prompted detailed technical inspection before preparing the Rs 40 lakh repair estimateMSID:: 129720649 413 |
