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Residents and civic groups have urged both National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Southern Railway to take immediate steps to repair the overbridge, which was constructed in 1983. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Salem | Silver Rate in Salem | Bank Holidays in Salem | Public Holidays in Salem | Salem AQI | Weather in Salem Stay updated with the latest Salem news.
K Prakash Kumar, a shopkeeper, says, “Authorities are busy blaming each other. M Senthil, a truck driver, has said the broken patches are invisible at night. This bridge is a death trap,” he says. One slip and I could fall,” says R Murugan, a resident. Lakshmi Seethapathi, a private school teacher, says, “The potholes are so deep that buses swerve suddenly.
SALEM: Potholes, broken pathway stones and damaged parapets endanger motorists and pedestrians using the rail overbridge at Nedunchalai Nagar in Salem. Drivers complain that the uneven surface causes sudden jerks and skids, while pedestrians fear falling off the overbridge as the parapets are broken. A dispute between NHAI and Southern Railway over who is responsible for its maintenance has left the bridge neglected. NHAI officials claim that the railways is responsible for maintaining the upper deck, while railway officials insist that the surface falls under NHAI’s jurisdiction and that they are only accountable for the underside. This blame game has stalled urgent repairs, leaving the bridge in a dangerous state. Motorists and vehicle drivers have voiced their frustration. What about our safety? We need action. “I have seen trucks lose balance. “Every time I ride on the overbridge, my two-wheeler bounces dangerously. It is frightening for passengers. Download the TOI App.