Why in news?

Majerhat Bridge, which was constructed in 1965 connecting Behala to southern Kolkata recently collapsed.

What are the other such instances?

• Recently a portion of an under-construction flyover on a highway at Uttar Pradesh's Basti district collapsed.
• Similarly in 2016 an under construction flyover collapsed in central Kolkata.

What are the reasons for collapse of structures?

• The state forensic report team that investigated the Majerhat Bridge collapse stated the lack of maintenance of the bridge over the years as the reason.
• Further, ad hoc and temporary steps to fix the problems in the bridge also contributed for the collapse.
• For instance, additional bitumen to Majerhat Bridge without assessing the load carrying capacity of the structure added to the load of carriage deck.
• The other reasons for the Engineering Structures to collapse are,

1. Use of faulty and substandard material for construction
2. Lack of maintenance
3. Unsuitable design with respect to the area.

What are the steps to ensure the structure safety?

• Engineering structures are to be inspected at a regular interval.
• Based upon the inspection maintenance work and strengthening of the structure are to be done.
• Reinforcement work is needed in ensuring the safety of the bridge.
• Expert points out that quality design, standard material and consistent maintenance work are the prerequisite for a better and safe engineering structure.
• The most important point is to use the allocated funds and not to cut corners in such Repair, renovation and maintenance works.

Source: The Indian Express