The old stone bridge near Neral Police Station in Karjat taluka on State Highway No. 76 (Jawhar–Wada–Bhiwandi–Kalyan–Karjat route) has been immediately closed to traffic following a structural audit that revealed damage at the base of one of its pillars.
According to Sandeep Chavan, Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), Panvel, urgent action was taken in the interest of public safety and road transport. The issue came to light during a routine inspection, which is part of the department’s periodic review of old infrastructure under its jurisdiction.
The bridge, built with stone masonry, was scheduled for a structural audit due to its age and material. During the inspection, deterioration was observed at the Karjat-side base of a supporting pillar.
Fortunately, a parallel RCC bridge has already been constructed next to the old structure. Traffic has been smoothly diverted to the new bridge, ensuring there is no disruption to vehicular movement in the area.
PWD officials have strongly refuted claims circulating on social media suggesting that the department acted only after being alerted by local residents. “There is no truth to such messages. The action was initiated solely based on our own structural evaluation and proactive inspection,” clarified officials.
