UJJAIN: Over 300 security guards jumping in unison for 10 minutes turned into an unusual load test at the Mahakaleshwar temple complex in Ujjain, where authorities tested a 91ft-long foot overbridge that will carry thousands of devotees to the Nagchandreshwar temple during Monday’s Nag Panchami.The shrine, which houses an idol depicting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati seated on Sheshnag, opens to devotees only once a year for 24 hours on Nag Panchami.While simulating a crowd load, bolts, joints and corrosion were inspected. “We recommend that no more than 300 devotees use it at a time,” said Bridge Corporation SDO Raghunath Suryavanshi.With heavy footfall expected Monday,Engineers subjected the bridge to a simulated crowd load before clearing it for use. As the guards were first made to walk on the bridge and then jump together rhythmically, officials of Bridge Corporation and public works department (PWD) monitored its response. Engineers inspected bolts, joints and signs of corrosion before declaring the structure fit for movement of devotees.During the test, more than 300 guards were first made to walk on the bridge and then jump together rhythmically as officials of the Bridge Corporation and public works department monitored its response. Engineers also inspected bolts, joints and signs of corrosion before declaring the structure fit for movement of devotees.“We made over 300 security guards walk and jump on the bridge as part of the load test. No structural problem was detected. This year, we have recommended that not more than 300 devotees should use the bridge at a time,” said Raghunath Suryavanshi, SDO, Bridge Corporation’s Simhastha subdivision. He said the testing was carried out on August 7.The 91-foot-long and 10-foot-wide bridge links the Vitthal Pandharinath temple area with the rooftop level leading to the Nagchandreshwar shrine. Five feet of its width is earmarked for entry and the remaining five feet for exit. The bridge, supported on five pillars, was constructed in 2022 with assistance from a donor through Ujjain Development Authority and was first used during Nag Panchami that year.
