The Times of India 28.09.2009
GHMC calls for survey
HYDERABAD: Condition survey of 45 flyovers, ROBs, causeways and other bridges in Greater Hyderabad limits will start next month. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has called for expression of interest-cum-request for proposal from consultants last month and bids will be finalised soon. Four firms have evinced interest to take up the survey of existing bridges.
"The bids for appointment of consultant for detailed inventory-cum-condition survey of bridges will be finalised by October second week. The consultant will have to submit report within four months," GHMC chief engineer R Dhan Singh told TOI.
Based on the survey, repairs and other works, if necessary, would be carried out by the corporation.
Detailed condition survey would be done for flyovers at Tarnaka, Masab Tank, YMCA-Secunderabad, CTO-Secunderabad, Begumpet airport, Telugu Talli junction, Basheerbagh and Narayanguda. The ROBs at Lalapet, Khairatabad and Begumpet would also be part of the study. Major bridges which are above 60 metres length would be checked, including at Imbliban, MGBS, Nayapul bridge (both new & old), Muslimjung bridge (old) and Puranapul bridge. Two causeways at Moosarambagh would also be surveyed by the consultant.
The decision to check condition of bridges, flyovers and ROBs was taken by the GHMC as most of these structures were constructed a few decades ago. These bridges have to be checked periodically, but was not done.
"The existing bridges, flyover and ROBs are showing signs of ageing and are not able to cope up with increasing traffic. They need to be checked immediately," another superintending engineer said.
Recently there were problems in expansion joints of the Telugu Talli flyover. Similarly, the Khairatabad bridge and Muslimjung bridge developed cracks.
Since it is a big task and requires experienced firms, the GHMC has put several conditions for participating in the bids for prospective consultants. The bidder should have completed minimum two works of similar nature, including one bridge of minimum 400 metres length. The firms should have minimum 10 years experience in the field and one assignment pertaining to survey of major structures and framing of guidelines for repairs and rehabilitation works.
The other condition put forth by the corporation was that the consultant should have taken Rs 10 crore per annum remuneration for the past three years. Also, the firm should have minimum one senior highway and structural engineer, surveyor, bridge design expert, pavement specialist and traffic and safety expert.
"The consultant should study the bridge in all aspects like inventory, year of construction, whether any major repairs, maintenance works and rehabilitation works undertaken previously or not, traffic data and other details. The consultant should also give problems and rehabilitation reports as well," another engineer said.
