Rameswaram, Jan. 23 (PTI): The dredging work of the Sethusamudram channel project has suffered a set back as the 107-tonne driller of the dredger broke while trying to cut the Ramar Sethu or Adams
Bridge. "The Ramar Sethu, it seems, is too strong for the 'Cutter-Sucker-Dredger-Aquarius'(CSD Aquarius) that its 'spud' (driller) broke, while drilling the bridge and it is considered a major set back", a top official of the Sethu Samudram Channel project said. "We are keeping our fingers crossed on the nature of damage suffered by the spud. If it is a vertical fracture, it would be impossible to repair. On the other hand, if it had cut into two we will be able to retrieve the spud and weld it", he added. The official said they have requested the manufacturer to repair the spud, which would cost about Rs.2.5 crore. If the Holland-based equipment manufacturer was unable to repair the spud, the project could suffer inordinate delay. However, some officials were confident of repairing the spud within the time frame. A floating crane, towed by TUG-7, arrived here today to help the engineers retrieve the spud for repair. Repair work could be carried out only in Kochi Ship yard. As of now "not even a spoon of silt could be dredged", he said adding the dredger-6 was remaining idle. "The rent for the dredger also goes waste", he said. Meanwhile, Muthudaian, Executive Engineer, SSCP, said the project work near Vedaranyam and Dhanushkodi was going on. An expert committee has come to Sethu to see the nature of damage suffered by spud, he said adding a Russian dredger is also coming to expedite the project. So far, 1.40 lakh cubic ft of sand has been dredged, he said. |
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