PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
Traffic resumed on the newly constructed Nanda Ki Chowki bridge in Premnagar on Sunday morning after the Public Works Department (PWD) opened it for vehicles. The decision was taken after rainfall washed away a portion of the temporary bridge on Saturday night, disrupting traffic in the area. With the new bridge now operational, movement of vehicles has returned to normal. The collapse of the temporary bridge disrupted movement and forced commuters to take longer alternative routes.
PWD executive engineer Rajesh Kumar said that all vehicles will now use the new bridge. The opening has brought relief to thousands of daily commuters travelling between Dehradun, Premnagar, Vikasnagar and Paonta Sahib. Employees, students, traders and local residents can now reach their destinations without taking long detours. The bridge had remained closed for nearly 300 days after the old structure was damaged, affecting travel and increasing fuel and transport costs. The new bridge has been built at a cost of around Rs 16 crore under the supervision of the PWD and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Officials said that the bridge has been designed to be stronger and more durable to withstand future floods and heavy rainfall.
