Another Bridge Collapse!! This time its Sikkim...

SHAME!!... Another accident. News reports states the trailer responsible for this collapse had anything between 47 (IBN7 TV) to 58 Axles (The Telegraph). Times of India states that the bridge collapsed due to earth quake. 8 People were killed. Whatever may be the reason... 
When will the transporters and contractors learn?
As per an official, the  bridge had a capacity of 70T but the equipment was 100T.
Anyways.. that fact remains that modernization of project transport industry cannot take place until we stop rushing execution of transport projects. In any infrastructure project in India the transportation part is considered as the last concern. This notion has to change. Logistics and Transportation are the life blood of any project. Negligence is unacceptable here. 


You can catch the news at
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1111220/jsp/frontpage/story_14903964.jsp
http://cj.ibnlive.in.com/slideshow7191.html

Video and Photos of Accident on Hydraulic Axles in MP, india,

Accident on Hydraulic Axles in MP, india

Full Story http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bridge-collapses-in-MP-two-dead/Article1-751181.aspx

A bridge collapsed in Madhya Pradesh while a 300T package was being transported on it.
Though it is a non educated coverage by the reporter, the end argument is... this is what happens due to hasty and non scientific execution of ODC transportation. When greed supersedes the tryst for safe and scientific execution of projects.

Transport planning and study of any  above200T consignment should be done to the finest detail when it is to be done on public roads and more so when bridges are involved.

Road survey and planning, the very essence of ODC transport is often the most neglected aspect in India. Under educated operators coupled with corrupt officials is a dangerous combination and disaster waiting to happen.

Nobody seems to learn from the mistakes others are doing... bridge collapse of Manikaran, Jamnagar etc...time and again have shown NOT to use conventional hydraulic trailer configuration on bridges. Simple concept is if ODC load concentration lies between the span of the bridge, the bridge will collapse.

<< file picture of Manikaran accident in 2007

Two ways to tackle this situation

• To construct or find an alternate route
• To carry the equipment on a Girder Bridge 

Both require thorough study and money.

In bid to quote the lowest, transporters intentionally overlook these aspects. Cannot blame the transporter alone, the contract awarding company also gives more weightage to lowest bidder than the execution methodology. You will get what you pay for. You cannot expect the best services on a tight budget.

I fear that this will give the already under educated officials an ammunition to target ODC movements.

Hope this is the last of such accidents.

Pictures source http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080615/himachal.htm and a logistics company website