The shambolic state of the bridge that fell in Kolkata and claimed three lives and injured scores was not hidden from the authorities as the Eastern Railways had warned the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) about the poor condition of the bridge 39 days before its collapse.
According to The New Indian Express, “The condition of RCC beam which supports utility services are not in good condition, and it requires suitable replacement in a programmed manner at the earliest. You are requested for your preparedness for shifting of utilities by your end as well as the work will have to be carried out in traffic and power block of Railways,” the Deputy Chief Engineer (WS) of Eastern Railways’ Sealdah division wrote to the superintending engineer of the south circle, GAP sector of KMDA.