Rajganj, 21st May: After a prolonged closure of one and a half years, the route leading through the Karatoya Bridge is now operational for local commuters. Reportedly, the bridge had been closed due to severe water logging prompting the construction of a new diversion road to ease traffic.
As per reports, the newly built diversion road is operational for two-wheelers, e-rickshaws, and four-wheelers, though vehicles weighing more than three tons are still prohibited from using this route. The route significantly influences travel to Gajoldoba’s ‘Bhorer Alo’ from Siliguri. In addition, several commuters travel through the road to neighboring areas, including Siliguri and Fulbari.
It is to be noted that the infrastructural issue of the Karatoya Bridge emerged on December 18, 2022, when cracks were spotted in the bridge over the Karatoya River in the Simulguri area adjacent to the railway overbridge in Sahudangi. As a result, the administration imposed an immediate restriction on vehicle movement across the bridge.
Meanwhile, local commuters have faced inconvenience and had to take detours through Ambari to reach their destinations. However, constructing a diversion road with the aid of Hume pipes has greatly benefitted the traffic in the area. The Public Works Department (PWD) has also commenced the demolition of the damaged Karatoya Bridge and the reconstruction of a new bridge.