9-Jan-2019: India's longest single lane steel cable suspension bridge
Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated India's longest 300-meter single-lane steel cable suspension bridge over Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Siang district bordering China.
The suspension bridge - also known as Byorung bridge - was built at a cost of Rs 48.43 crore and funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region under Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources scheme.
It will reduce the distance from Yingkiong to Tuting town by almost 40 km. The earlier road length was 192 km.
The newly inaugurated bridge will benefit about 20,000 people residing on both sides of the bank of Siang river and will also boost military preparedness.
Noting that good connectivity was the way forward for the state's prosperity, the Chief Minister said the Centre had sanctioned 268 road projects worth Rs 3,800 crore under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
For Upper Siang districts two PMGSY projects had been sanctioned. The projects are the 35 km road from Paling to Zido and the 30 km road from Zido to Bishing.
1-Jan-2019: Over 1.7 Lakh Bridges Inventoried under IBMS
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has inventoried 1,72,517 bridges/structures under Indian Bridge Management System (IBMS). These structures comprise 1,34,229 culverts, 32,806 minor bridges, 3,647 major and 1,835 extra-long bridges. Earlier there was no proper data available on these structures on the National Highways network.
The IBM System has been established to develop the data in digital form, to identify the number of bridges and other structures on National Highways, to carry out the condition survey and inventorization of bridges/structures and to identify the distressed bridges which need immediate attention and to sensitize the concerned implementation agency for taking corrective measures such as repair, rehabilitation reconstruction/ new construction etc.
The Minister said, the bridges /structure condition data will be collected twice a year during ‘Pre-Monsoon’ and ‘Post-Monsoon’ period for 3 years by using Mobile Bridge Inspection Units (MBIU). Eleven consultancy firms have been appointed for this purpose. The condition survey report and recommendation submitted by consultant will be used as input for granting permission for movement of over-dimension and overweight Vehicles(ODC/OWC) consignments on National Highways which has been made online by the Ministry as well as help in future management/repair/rehabilitation of the assets.
9-Jan-2019: PM launches Gangajal Project
Giving a major push to develop and enhance Tourism infrastructure in Agra, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched a series of development projects worth Rs. 2900 Crores for the Agra city and the adjoining areas.
The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation, Gangajal project, which will provide Agra with better and more assured water supply, at an estimated cost of Rs.2880 crores. Gangajal project aims to bring 140 cusecs of Ganga water to Agra. This will help meet the drinking water demands in the city.
Prime Minister laid the foundation Stone of Integrated Command and Control Centre for Agra Smart City. In this project CCTVs will be installed throughout Agra City for monitoring and surveillance for the purpose of safety and security. This will help to develop Agra as a modern world class smart city, befitting its stature as a premium tourist destination, at a total cost of Rs.285 crores.
Addressing a rally at Kothi Meena Bazaar in Agra, the Prime Minister said, ”With the projects like Gangajal project, and facilities like CCTV cameras, we are taking steps towards making Agra a Smart City.” These facilities will also attract tourists.