The famous Minto Bridge lies in the heart of the nation’s capital, Delhi. This bridge is special in two ways. A road passes beneath it, connecting the New Delhi Railway Station (Ajmeri Gate) and Old Delhi via the outer circle of Connaught Place. Secondly, Minto Bridge is used for trains arriving and departing from New Delhi Railway Station. Despite being such an important bridge, its condition is deplorable.
This nearly 90-year-old bridge has fallen into disrepair, but no one seems to care for it. The upper portion of the bridge is cracked, potentially leading to an accident. The upper portion of the bridge is arched, and trains pass over it. A 10-15 meter section of the ceiling on this arch has cracked. Instead of repairing it, those responsible have simply filled it with mortar.
Cracks appear on Minto Bridge
The passing of trains puts enormous pressure on the Minto Bridge, which could cause the cracks to widen at any time, potentially leading to a catastrophic event. In addition to this crack, the aging bridge has also cracked at another location. This fracture has been filled with a makeshift cement and sand mortar, but only partially.
Maintenance – Two government departments are responsible for this.
Minto Road and Minto Bridge are maintained by two government departments. Minto Road is maintained by the Delhi government’s Public Works Department (PWD). Waterlogging at the road’s underpasses during the monsoon season is a story of its own. The waterlogging during the monsoon season often makes headlines in the media.
Railways is not taking care
However, the Minto Bridge is maintained by the Northern Railway. The railways are also responsible for the construction and maintenance of the upper railway tracks and boundary walls. The bridge was originally built for the passage of trains. However, the railways are not addressing the cracks and dilapidated condition of the bridge.