RAILWAYS REHABILITATING 341 DISTRSSED BRIDGES

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Indian Railways is in the process of rehabilitating 341 distressed bridges spending an amount of Rs. 209.30 crores during the fiscal 2002-03. The total number of bridges on Indian Railways network is 1,19,984 and out of this 527 has been declared as distressed.

A well laid down schedule of annual inspection of bridges by officials at various levels is in place and all entries are recorded in a Bridge Inspection Register. Repair or rebuilding of bridges, as recommended, is carried out in a programmed manner. Frequency of inspection of distressed bridges at various levels has been increased.

All bridges with cast iron screw piles are being replaced at present. The total number of such bridges is 105. Till replacement of these bridges is completed, suitable speed restrictions have been imposed on such bridges to ensure maximum safety. Railways has been continuously increasing expenditure on repair and rebuilding of bridges. From Rs.69.49 crores during the financial year 2000-01 expenditure on bridges has gone up to Rs. 209.30 in 2002-03.