Patna, May 10: Commuters have experienced a different ride on Gandhi Setu over the past few days. But the main players behind the turnaround remain neglected.

Three teams of 10 police constables each comprising a probationary sub-inspector (PSI) , who keep an eye on the bridge round-the-clock are not getting the recognition they deserve.

When The Telegraph visited the bridge, it observed that these constables are working under deplorable conditions — there is a lack of availability of drinking water and no proper arrangement of tents where the cops can take rest in the heat.

There are two tents on the entire bridge and both of them are in deplorable condition. There is a plastic mat, two earthen pots and a glass in each tent.

The constables chose not to divulge their names, fearing action by superiors. But they said they had been forced to guard the bridge.

A constable, armed with just a stick, told The Telegraph: “There is no proper arrangement of water. The temperature is rising and more than 20,000 heavy vehicles pass over the bridge everyday. It is obvious that we will feel thirsty but there is lack of availability of water here and today they have sent this earthen pot without water.”

He said: “While working here on the middle of the bridge, where do you expect me to get water for myself? It is disgusting. Do I get water, or do I look after the traffic on the bridge?”

Officials from the road construction department were seen drinking packaged mineral water.

The tent, prepared for them to rest, is torn from the top. “Is it possible to rest under this tent and that too on plastic mat? Our superiors are not at all concerned about our problems.

There are two tents made for 30 constables, who work in groups of 10 in three shifts for eight hours everyday. Many of our colleagues have fallen sick owing to the heat and lack of good food and drinking water facilities.

Regarding food, another constable said: “Which food you are talking about? We come here early in the morning, and there is no food available in the middle of the bridge. Till our shift gets over, we have to work like this. To get anything, we have to travel 3km, which is not possible.”

Upendra Kumar Singh, the PSI, said he faced the same problems like the constables. “Even I am facing the same problems. There is no difference. Our problems are genuine and our superiors must consider them.”