‘Critical lifeline’: BRO rebuilds 200-foot Bailey bridge in Arunachal’s remote border village

Itanagar, Aug 2 (IANS) The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has restored vital connectivity to Huri by constructing a 200-foot Bailey bridge in Arunachal Pradesh’s Kurung Kumey district after the existing bridge was washed away in flash floods, officials said on Sunday. 

A defence spokesman said that the BRO successfully restored the crucial road link to Huri in Kurung Kumey district by launching the 200-foot Bailey bridge after the earlier structure was swept away in flash floods on the night of July 11. 

The destruction of the bridge had completely cut off the region, severely disrupting the movement of people, transportation of essential commodities, and the delivery of emergency and healthcare services. 

Huri, a remote border village located in the Damin circle of Kurung Kumey district, lies in a strategically important area close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), making the restoration of connectivity crucial from both civilian and strategic perspectives.

The spokesman said that the restoration work was undertaken on a mission mode by Project Arunank of the BRO under extremely challenging weather and terrain conditions. Teams from the 85 Road Construction Company (RCC) under the 756 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) worked relentlessly despite persistent heavy rainfall, fast-flowing river currents, unstable soil conditions, and difficult terrain, all of which hampered foundation work and the preparation of approach roads. 

The remote location, limited availability of construction resources, and repeated disruptions caused by fresh landslides further complicated the restoration effort, the defence spokesman said. 

Despite these formidable challenges, BRO personnel continued round-the-clock operations, often working in adverse weather conditions and hazardous terrain, to complete the project within the shortest possible time. 

The restoration effort involved not only the rapid construction and launching of the 200-foot Bailey bridge but also extensive clearance of mudslides, repair of damaged road stretches, and strengthening of approach roads to facilitate the movement of men, machinery, and essential supplies. 

Through meticulous planning, technical expertise, and well-coordinated execution, the BRO ensured the restoration of this “critical lifeline” within a remarkably short timeframe, significantly improving connectivity to the remote border region, the spokesman added. 

He said that the successful completion of the bridge has brought immense relief to the local population. Residents of Huri expressed their gratitude to the BRO, noting that the restored connectivity is vital for their daily lives, livelihood, and access to healthcare, education, and uninterrupted supply of essential goods and services. 

--IANS

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