The state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expressed concerns about the safety of the Umiam bridge, despite recent renovation work.
State party vice-president and Tura MDC Bernard N Marak said that the state government should provide a written guarantee regarding its strength and durability.
“Give it in writing that it will be guaranteed. I feel that the repairs which have been done may not hold up for another 30 years,” he said, adding a suggestion that an independent study should be conducted to reassure the public and address their concerns.
Marak emphasised that many citizens are still worried about the bridge’s safety and urged the Meghalaya government to expedite the construction of an alternate bridge. He also promised to follow up with the relevant ministry at the central level to accelerate the process.
The state government recently completed extensive repair and renovation work on the Umiam bridge, which took several months to finish.
