Kanpur: Questions raised over quality of Power House railway overbridge as joints fail within two months

The newly constructed railway overbridge at Panki Power House in Kanpur is facing scrutiny due to its deteriorating condition. Although the Setu Nigam finished the construction work only two months ago, the bridge is already showing signs of significant structural distress. The expansion joints have shifted, compromising the integrity of the structure.

According to local residents, the failure of these joints has caused the internal reinforcing steel bars to become visible. This exposure not only threatens the long-term durability of the bridge but also poses a potential hazard to vehicles passing through the area. The visibility of the steel suggests a lack of adherence to proper construction standards.

Beyond the structural joints, the road surface surrounding the bridge has also sustained damage. The degradation of the road near the expansion joints creates a risky environment for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Residents noted that issues began appearing only weeks after the project was officially completed.

The rapid decline of this recently built infrastructure has led to calls for an investigation into the construction quality and maintenance protocols of the Setu Nigam. The premature failure of such a major public project raises questions about administrative oversight. As of now, no official statement regarding immediate repairs has been issued by the relevant authorities.

Local citizens have urged the administration to take the matter seriously and conduct an immediate inspection of the bridge. They fear that without prompt intervention to address these defects, the situation could lead to serious accidents. For the time being, commuters are forced to exercise extreme caution while traversing the bridge.