Carpenters, Works Department engineers and railway engineers were engaged to fix the main axle of Darpdalan Rath of Devi Subhadra which developed cracks and broke two days ago.
The Biswakarmas (traditional temple carpenters) said the axle could not bear the load of the chariot and gave in. Efforts were on to fix a new axle. Axles of three Raths were made up of Phasi timber considered most strong among the tree species.
The members of the Chariot Construction Committee which looks after the construction process were also present. Since the defect came to light during the final stages of chariot construction, work on war footing was on to replace the damaged axle.
Heavy duty jacks from ECoR were used to lift the front portion of the chariot while the ground surface was dug deep to remove the wheels and then the damaged axle.
A new axle has been already carved from a fresh Phasi timber log and it would the fixed to the chariot, it is learnt.
Chief Engineer Works SR Sethy besides other engineers was camping at Puri to ensure the replacement. The carpenters said the happening was not new to them but it happened in the final stage; so it needs urgent work. The carpenters assured the administration to complete the work on time.
As a matter of practice, the Biswakarmas construct the chariots under the supervision of an eight-member committee which is headed by a senior Works department engineer of the temple administration. After completion of chariots at the construction yard (rath khala), the Works department engineers examine the status of the chariots before issuing road worthy certificate.