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In the aftemath of the devastation triggered by tsunami tidal waves along various coastal regions of the country, the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways has set up two Control Rooms. One, relating to the Department of Shipping, under the control of Shri R.K. Jain, Joint Secretary (Tel. No. 23739621 (round-the-clock); 23711873-office and 24106622-Residence) and the other relating to the Department of Road Transport & Highways, under the control of Shri R.P. Indoria, Chief Engineer (Tel. No.23739026-Office and 23696438-Residence).
The Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, Thiru. T. R. Baalu who is also a Member of the Group of the Ministers set up by the Prime Minister for monitoring relief and rehabilitation measures, has despatched five teams this evening for assessment of damages in Kanyakumari, Pondicherry & Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Andaman& Nicobar Islands and Andhra Pradesh. The teams will get in touch with the local PWD officials, inspect all the roads in the affected areas, make an assessment of the damages and restoration required, and the estimated costs.
On the century-old-bridge connecting Karaikal and Nagoor across River Arasalar, two spans of 8.5 metres each had collapsed on 26th December 2004. But, with the assistance of the Area Commander of the Indian Army (Southern Command), a Bailey Bridge is being constructed and will be open to traffic by tomorrow evening. The Public Works Department, Gov4ernment of Pondicherry, is making efforts to provide a temporary foot-bridge over the collapsed portion to facilitate movement of people across the river.
A detailed review of port facilites in Andaman & Nicobar Islands is being carried out by the Department of Shipping and action is being taken to check the safety of structures and take remedial measures.
Under directions of Thiru T.R. Baalu, the Ministry is also keeping tab of all vessels slated to sail to Andaman & Nicobar Islands during the next two days as well as the main items and quantity proposed to be carried by them.
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