Army builds bailey bridge over Tawi River within 12 hours

JAMMU: Once again, the Army came to the rescue of civic administration as it constructed a 110-feet bailey bridge over the Tawi River in Jammu city in less than 12 hours, after a section of the vital 4th bridge collapsed amid heavy rainfall on Aug 26.

Sharing details, Major General Mukesh Bhanwala, GOC, Tiger Division, said: “The recent floods severely damaged the eastern portion of Tawi Bridge No 4, a lifeline for movement in Jammu. With repair likely to take time, the engineers of Tiger Division laid a 110ft bailey bridge under challenging conditions, overcoming washed-out approaches and limited workspace.”

The officer said since Aug 26, the Army’s Rising Star Corps troops have deployed multiple rescue columns, supported by Army and IAF helicopters, in adverse weather conditions, rescuing nearly 1,000 stranded people, including children and paramilitary personnel.

Critical communication links between Jammu and Srinagar were also restored by laying alternative optical fiber cables, he said, adding that medical aid, food and relief materials were provided to affected families in coordination with civil authorities.