Sensors installed on old bridges by Maharashtra government

State Government has installed sensors on colonial era and other old bridges which might collapse after heavy rains and flooding. The sensors would automatically send an sms to 20 top officials in case the water level in the river touches danger mark.

It was on August 3, 2016 that a British era bridge over Savitri river in Mahad on Mumbai-Goa highway collapsed after incessant rains, resulting in death of 40 people. The state government has decided to allocate Rs 500 crores for repair works in bridges that are potential threats during monsoons.

A team of IIT experts, including officials from different branches, was sent to the spot and it had opined that Savitri river bridge collapsed due to incessant rains and there was no human error involved.

PWD Minister Chandrakant Patil informed that sensors have been installed on select bridges and are functional in all districts. The sensors would send an sms to 20 select officials of the concerned district so that necessary action is initiated. We never know whether a particular bridge would collapse nor not, but after Savitri river bridge collapse the state government is taking necessary step and precaution to minimize the damage in case any mishap happens.

Patil also informed that repair and maintenance work on such bridges is already in progress. The repair work was undertaken on a priority basis, and since it was not possible to undertake repairs work for all bridges at the same time which would increase the budget to Rs 2500 crores, state Government decided to do it in different phases.

DODGING MISHAPS

• Sensors have been installed on old bridges which might collapse after heavy rains and flooding 
   
• They would send sms to officials if water level touches danger mark 
   
• Govt has allocated Rs 500 crores for repair works in bridges that are potential threats during monsoons 
   
• Repair work is currently being undertaken on a priority basis