Kochi: Publish IIT 2nd report – Engineers association

KOCHI: The Association of Structural and Geotechnical Consulting Engineers has asked the government to publish the second report submitted by IIT, Chennai, on Palarivattom flyover. Why should the engineering community  be in darkness when a study done IIT using public money  is not published to public, the association office-bearers asked during a press conference here on Monday.

"The IIT in its first report stated that after conducting the rectification, the bridge can be re-opened for traffic. The rectification work was also carried out as per the direction and supervision of the IIT and the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation (RBDCK) spending nearly Rs.2.5 crores.  How can the IIT give a report recommending rectification works (which is already done) and then give another report in the other direction?  Why is the second report of IIT not made public by the government?" asked Mr Kurian Mathew, retired chief engineer of PWD.

"The decision to demolish the bridge should be the last option and has to be adopted only if safety is a threat and a load test is essential and a must before taking a decision to demolish the bridge," remarked Mr Yacub Mohan George, retired deputy chief engineer, National Highways & member, Technical Committee of IRC for Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Bridges.

"Even if a load test gives excessive deflection, there are many techniques to strengthen the bridge which will be very cost effective and will not cause much inconvenience to the public," said the association representatives.