Large barges pose threat to rail bridges

Sensing that large barges and vessels which brush against the western railway bridge near Vasai Creek, could lead to a major catastrophe, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has written to the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) to prohibit the movement of these barges and vessels.

In order to pass under the bridge, the height of the 300-800 tonne barges (above water level) is lowered by filling their ballast tanks to weigh them down. The fishermen in the area had reported to various authorities about these barges ramming into the pillars of the bridge.

The Akhil Maharashtra Macchimar Kriti Samiti (AMMKS) has also raised objection to the passing of barges under the bridge.

"The large barges have collided into both the new railway bridge as well as the old and dilapidated bridge that runs parallel to it and is no longer in use. Two pillars of the old railway bridge have already been washed away due to sand dredging in the area, as well as impacts from barge hits," claimed Sanjay Koli, General Secretary, AMMKS.

Dileep Mathak, President of Koli Yuva Shakti Sanstha, said, "When the barges pass, the nets laid out by our fishermen get damaged, and there is risk of collision with small fishing boats."

AK Shukla, Divisional Security Commissioner, RPF said, "We have received complaints about sand dredging and huge barges passing underneath the railway bridge. We have, therefore, asked the Maritime Board and state security agencies to prohibit such kind of movements."