Report ready on damage to roads

Chandigarh, August 30

The Public Works Department has prepared a preliminary damage assessment report regarding the roads, bridges and buildings falling under jurisdiction of the department, said an official spokesman.

Giving details, he said due to recent heavy rains and floods, approximately 1,450 km link roads, 420 km plan roads/national highways, 36 bridges and 36 buildings under jurisdiction of the department have been damaged. Most damage to link and plan roads was observed in Rupnagar district wherein it is to the extent of 693.96 km and 123.1 km, respectively.

Around Rs 95.50 crore is required for the repairs but the exact cost can be estimated only when the flood water recedes completely, he said, adding that the basic patchwork and repair of road breaches was underway. With the release of requisite funds, major restoration work of roads would be undertaken. — TNS