The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the Highways authorities to open the bridge at Santhapillai railway gate, Thanjavur, only after obtaining a fitness certificate. The bridge was to be inaugurated as part of MGR centenary celebration in Thanjavur on Wednesday.
Hearing a petition filed by K. Neelakandan of DMK seeking a stay of the opening, a division bench of Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Nisha Banu directed the Highways authorities to file a detailed report with photographs on the construction of the bridge.
The petitioner said that the bridge was proposed to be built in 2011 and the then State government had allotted ₹52 crore for it. However, during the course of construction, the original plan was modified and the bridge reduced in length.
The petitioner said that though there were several shortcomings in the construction, it was declared as completed. A huge crack was discovered in the middle of the bridge due to poor construction and alteration of the original plan. Instead of identifying the reason for the crack, the Highways and PWD authorities proceeded to conceal the crack using asphalt, risking serious consequences to the public, said the petitioner.
Though representations were made seeking reconstruction of the bridge or at least repair, no action was taken. But preparations were being made to open the bridge, he said.
People living near the bridge had earlier protested after cracks developed in the structure.
