ITANAGAR, Aug 8: Severe erosion has damaged the approach embankment of the Ranga-I Bridge over the Panyor River along the Kimin-Potin Road, disrupting heavy vehicle movement and raising concerns over the supply of essential commodities to several districts.
The damaged stretch, located at Km 7.50 of the Kimin-Potin Road, is a critical connectivity link for Keyi Panyor, Lower Subansiri, Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi, Upper Subansiri, Kamle and adjoining areas.
Papum Pare Zilla Parishad Chairperson Bamang Yayu said the disruption has affected the transportation of petrol, diesel, LPG, ration and other essential commodities. She said the road serves as a vital junction connecting several districts and that uninterrupted connectivity is crucial for residents as well as government agencies.
While light vehicles are being allowed to cross the bridge with caution, heavy vehicle movement has been suspended due to safety concerns following damage to the lower embankment.
According to ADC Ocean Gao, the movement of heavy vehicles was suspended on August 3 after the approach embankment collapsed following continuous heavy rainfall. A gate has been installed at the site to prevent heavy vehicles from using the vulnerable stretch.
Technical teams and bridge experts have inspected the structure and found that the bridge itself remains intact, with no visible cracks. However, the collapse of the lower embankment has made the bridge unsafe for heavy traffic, necessitating immediate restoration measures.
The situation has assumed greater significance following the closure of the Hoj-Potin Road, leaving the Kimin-Potin Road as a crucial functional link to several interior districts and strategically important areas.
An emergency meeting held on August 5 decided to restore an abandoned 4-km alternative road connecting the 8-km point of the BRTF road with Upper Jumi village. The proposed route will provide a bypass to the damaged bridge.
The abandoned road requires extensive restoration, including earthwork, drainage improvement, retaining structures and culvert repairs. A preliminary Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by the Rural Works Department has estimated the restoration cost at Rs 10.90 crore.
Gao said temporary restoration measures, including drilling and anchoring at the damaged embankment, are being explored and expressed hope that traffic could be diverted through the alternative route within around 10 days.
Meanwhile, the district administration has regulated movement across the bridge to prevent shortages of essential commodities. Small tankers and light vehicles carrying reduced loads are being permitted to cross under strict supervision, while PDS supplies are being transported in smaller vehicles and reloaded where necessary.