Padang—Padang Class II Railway Engineering Centre (BTP Padang), through the Padang Panjang Service Unit, conducted a field inspection after discovering erosion on the pier of Bridge BH 310 at KM 93+100, a 2x8-meter span bridge between Sumpur Station and Batu Tabal Station. This railway bridge, which is no longer in use, was frequently used by the public as a shortcut to the main road.

In light of this, the head of BTP Padang, Endang Setiawan, has urged the public to stop using the bridge as it poses serious safety risks.

"We urge the public to exercise caution and to stop using the bridge as a crossing point as it is no longer safe to cross. Especially with the current heavy rainfall," Setiawan said in his statement.

According to an on-site inspection, the bridge in the Batipuh Selatan district of Tanah Datar is now hanging and only supported by railway tracks.

"Previously, we had put up banners to warn people to be careful when crossing. In the future, we will conduct further socialization with the local community to ensure that they stop using the bridge for their safety," he added.

The action taken by BTP Padang is part of a preventive effort to raise awareness and ensure public safety in light of the potential risks posed by the bridge's deteriorating condition.

It's worth noting that other railway bridges, such as those in Lembah Anai and Padang Panjang, have also suffered similar erosion damage.

Humas Balai Teknik Perkeretaapian Padang