However, officials have clarified that the dismantling of the pier cap is part of a planned technical modification required to facilitate the safe dismantling of the Launching Girder (LG) used for the construction of the elevated corridor.
According to a statement issued by the Public Works Department (National Highways), the original construction methodology had proposed dismantling the launching girder at Pier No. 44, located roughly at the mid-point of the project stretch.
The activity was to be carried out after implementing an approved traffic diversion plan to ensure safe working conditions and proper traffic management.
However, the traffic diversion arrangement could not be implemented at that stage due to constraints encountered during site execution and the non-availability of the diversion corridor. As a result, the dismantling operation at Pier No. 44 could not be carried out as originally planned.
Following this, the traffic diversion plan was revised in consultation with the local administration and the traffic police authorities. Based on the revised traffic management arrangement and taking into account operational feasibility, safety considerations and accessibility for heavy lifting equipment such as cranes, it was decided to shift the dismantling operations to Pier No. 41.
PWD officials said that in order to carry out the dismantling of the launching girder at the revised location, the existing pier cap at Pier No. 41 needs to be dismantled and replaced with a new pier cap designed specifically to support the dismantling process.
“This modification is required to provide the necessary structural arrangement and working platform for the safe dismantling of the launching girder components as per the approved methodology,” the department stated.
Officials also clarified that the modification does not involve any additional financial burden on the government, as the contractor is executing the work at its own cost.
M.C.S. Kurup, Senior General Manager of RRSM, the agency undertaking the project, said the change in location was necessary to prevent delays in the project timeline.
“This shifting had to be done so that the work is not delayed and the launching of the superstructure can be completed before the monsoon,” Kurup said.
Authorities have urged the public not to be misled by rumours circulating online, stating that the work is being carried out strictly as per approved engineering procedures and safety protocols.
