WATCH | Bailey bridge nears completion in Uttarkashi--know what makes it crucial for disaster zones

The Bailey bridge near Lachi Gad in Uttarkashi is in its final stages of construction and is expected to open for transportation within a few hours. It is being built to replace the Limchigad bridge, which was washed away during recent flash floods in Dharali, severely disrupting connectivity in the region.

On Sunday morning, news agency ANI video post said that the work on the Bailey bridge is nearing completion, providing a crucial lifeline to reconnect isolated areas and assist ongoing relief operations.

Features and significance of the Bailey bridge

The Bailey bridge, developed by British engineer Sir Donald Bailey during World War II, is a modular, portable truss bridge designed for rapid assembly and deployment. Its key features make it ideal for emergency situations like the Uttarkashi floods:

Rapid Deployment: Allows quick assembly by small teams, minimising transport disruption.

Portability: Prefabricated sections can be transported to remote locations via trucks or helicopters.

Robust Construction: Supports heavy vehicles and rescue equipment despite being temporary.

Versatility: Adaptable to various lengths and load capacities to bridge damaged infrastructure.

Reliable Temporary Solution: Provides safe passage for rescue teams and locals until permanent repairs are made.

This deployment near Lachi Gad will restore vital connectivity to Harsil, cut off after the Limchigad bridge collapse.

Weather and road conditions hamper relief work

Relief efforts in Uttarkashi have been delayed due to poor weather. Dark clouds and fog over Matli helipad have postponed air operations to disaster-hit Dharali and Harsil. Additionally, the Badrinath National Highway remains blocked by debris near Bajpur Chada in Kotwali Chamoli, as confirmed by Chamoli Police on X.

Relief operations and government response

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said more than 1,000 stranded devotees and pilgrims have been rescued, with injured persons shifted to hospitals. "Connectivity was completely destroyed in Harsil. It was restored there yesterday. A Bailey bridge will be installed by evening near Lachi Gad, which will help reconstruct roads till Harsil," he told ANI.

Dhami added that affected families would receive ration supplies for six months. A three-member committee led by the Revenue Secretary will assess rehabilitation needs and losses. The government also plans to provide a relief package for those affected.

On Saturday, the Chief Minister met state Governor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Gurmit Singh at Raj Bhavan, Dehradun, to discuss ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts. Dhami shared on X, "I met the Honourable Governor @LtGenGurmit (Retd.) at Raj Bhavan. During this, we discussed the ongoing disaster relief operations in Dhrali and Harsil and the rehabilitation of the affected people."

Uttarakhand Health Secretary R Rajesh Kumar confirmed doctors are treating patients in Dharali, with 28 ambulances stationed in the area to handle emergencies.