Indian Army Constructs 190-Foot Bailey Bridge in Wayanad Within 31 Hours to Replace Landslide-Destroyed Structure
Wayanad, 2nd August 2024: After working continuously for 31 hours, the Indian Army successfully constructed a 190-foot Bailey bridge to restore access between Chooralmala and Mundakkai, two villages in Wayanad severely affected by landslides. This prefabricated truss bridge was erected in place of a 100-foot concrete bridge that had been destroyed by falling boulders.
To ensure its reliability, the Army first allowed an ambulance to cross the bridge, followed by a military truck to test its strength. According to Major General V.T. Mathew, the General Officer Commanding for Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area, the bridge, which is 3 meters wide and capable of supporting up to 24 tonnes, will facilitate search and rescue operations in Mundakkai.
The bridge’s width accommodates various vehicles including earthmovers, excavators, trucks, ambulances, and jeeps, noted an Army Major. Previously, only off-road jeeps within the tea estate were able to transport supplies, people, and equipment to the search sites. Of the 400 houses in Mundakkai, only 30 survived the landslide, and many residents remain missing.
Regarding the bridge’s construction, Major General Mathew explained that the 10-foot panels for the Bailey bridge were transported from Bengaluru to Chooralmala on July 30, the day the landslide occurred. A total of 19 steel panels were used to construct the 190-foot bridge, which rests on a single pier.
On the evening of July 30, officers from the Madras Engineer Group assessed the site, and construction began at 9 am on July 31 with 144 officers working around the clock. Limited space at the construction site slowed progress, and delays were caused by VIP visits and poor weather conditions.
Despite these challenges, the officers worked tirelessly through the night, taking breaks only for meals, and completed the bridge by 6 pm on August 1. Major General Mathew highlighted that the difficult weather and cramped conditions were significant obstacles, but the Army is accustomed to such challenges.
In addition to the Bailey Bridge, work commenced at 3 am on Thursday to build a parallel 100-foot footbridge, which was finished by 6 am. This footbridge provided crucial access for search teams and supply deliveries to Mundakkai throughout the day.
Major General Mathew mentioned that the two bridges will remain in use until a new concrete bridge is constructed or as long as needed by the government. He noted that a similar Bailey bridge constructed in Sabarimala years ago is still in use today.
