This is with reference to the report, "Hyderabad team tests fragile Agonda bridge - The Goan Everyday - July 10, 2025." It is good to see the authorities getting the 50-year-old bridge in Agonda checked by a specialized team from Hyderabad. Precious human lives are at stake after all. The authorities in the country, however, must understand the importance of regular checks and timely maintenance/repairs of infrastructure. The Vadodara bridge collapse, which reports say was about 40 years old, was indeed very unfortunate, claiming several lives. Presently, the focus seems to be on building infrastructure all across the country while centuries old infrastructure is ignored. In Mumbai for instance, the British era bridges have stood the test of time. With timely maintenance and repairs it seems like these structures can last forever. The fate of the people is in the hands of the authorities.
