The Public Works Department (PWD) is set to reinstall height bars at both ends of the Shahid Gowari flyover. After completing the tender process, PWD will commence installation work in a week. The height bars will be placed at Rahate Colony Square and the Morris College T-point. Despite previous installations, these bars were vandalized by miscreants to enable heavy vehicles to pass through.
When this bridge was constructed, Government agencies explicitly stated that heavy vehicles were prohibited from using it. Engineers at the time also emphasized that allowing heavy vehicles to traverse the bridge would decrease its lifespan.
Private travel buses, large trucks, and JCBs are frequently observed using the bridge. According to a local daily media report Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Shashikant Satao expressed concern, stating, “The movement of heavy vehicles on this bridge is worrying. Despite our police catching violators and taking action, the problem persists. This will inevitably damage the flyover and shorten its lifespan.” He added, “The only viable solution to this issue is to install height bars at both ends of the bridge to prevent heavy vehicles from accessing it. Accordingly, we have formally requested the PWD to install height bars.”
Supporting Satav’s statement, some structural engineers noted that the bridge has developed cracks. While several factors could contribute to these cracks, they highlighted that the primary factor is the movement of heavy vehicles, which significantly increases the load on the bridge.
Krusha Gharde, Executive Engineer of the World Bank Division at PWD, acknowledged receiving the letter from the Traffic Police. “In response,” he stated, “we have initiated the procedures.”
Truck movements are frequently observed on the Shahid Gowari flyover in preparation for the installation of height bars. The estimated cost has been finalized following the completion of the tendering process, and the work is scheduled to commence within a week.
Earlier also, the PWD had installed height bars, but some truckers broke it and started movement on the flyover. These incidents typically occur during late-night hours, making it challenging for the police to arrest the culprits. To resolve this issue, the police have decided to maintain strict vigilance after the height bars are erected.
The speed limit of 40 kmph and the prohibition on overtaking too are not followed strictly. In recent days, the police have used speed guns to monitor vehicle speeds and catch violators, imposing fines on those who exceeded the limits. However, this enforcement has not deterred speeders. Even the vehicles of senior police officers often disregard speed regulations. Additionally, overtaking remains common on the flyover, with offenders frequently escaping detection.