Vehicles Over 20 Tonnes Banned On Revdanda Salav Bridge In Alibag
The Raigad district administration has prohibited the movement of vehicles weighing more than 20 tonnes on the Revdanda–Salav bridge in Alibag taluka with immediate effect. The new traffic restriction, which was officially issued by Raigad District Collector Kishan Jawale, is aimed at ensuring public safety and preventing structural damage to the bridge. The ban will remain in force until further orders are issued by the administration.
This administrative decision follows serious concerns raised by the Public Works Department (PWD) regarding the current condition of the bridge. The bridge is currently undergoing structural strengthening and repair works. The PWD informed the district administration that although the repair work has successfully reached its final stage, allowing heavy vehicles that exceed the 20-tonne limit to cross could compromise the bridge's overall safety.
Prior to this new notification, a stricter 12-tonne load restriction had been imposed on the Revdanda–Salav bridge. However, based on the latest technical assessment of the structure, the district administration decided to revise the restriction. The new order specifically bans only those vehicles that weigh above 20 tonnes, while prescribing a set of strict traffic regulations for all other vehicles that continue to use the bridge.
As per the recommendations provided by the contractor, vehicles that are permitted to use the bridge must adhere to several safety protocols. Motorists must not exceed a maximum speed limit of 30 kmph while crossing. Additionally, drivers are required to maintain a minimum gap of 20 metres between two vehicles and ensure that traffic congestion does not occur on the bridge under any circumstances.
To facilitate the ongoing movement of heavy vehicles, the district administration has notified several alternate routes. Heavy vehicles travelling from Alibag towards Murud have been diverted to use the Poynad–Vadkhal–Nagothane–Kolad–Roha–Talekhar–Salav route, the Pezari Check Post–Nagothane–Kolad–Roha–Talekhar–Salav route, or the Belkade–Wave–Sudkoli–Roha–Talekhar–Salav route.
Similarly, heavy vehicles travelling in the reverse direction from Murud towards Alibag have been advised to use alternative options. These include the Salav–Talekhar–Chanera–Roha–Kolad–Nagothane–Vadkhal–Poynad–Alibag route, the Salav–Talekhar–Roha–Kolad–Nagothane–Pezari Check Post–Alibag route, or the Salav–Talekhar–Roha–Sudkoli–Wave–Belkade–Alibag route.
The district administration clarified that this weight restriction will not apply to vehicles carrying essential commodities. Exempted vehicles include those transporting milk, petrol, diesel, LPG cylinders, medicines, medical oxygen, vegetables, and drinking water. District Collector Kishan Jawale has appealed to all transporters and motorists to use the designated diversion routes and strictly follow the safety regulations to protect the bridge and avoid any untoward incidents.
