Bridge to nowhere: Delayed bridge on NH-305 leaves commuters stranded

Even after 24 days since the collapse of a bridge on the Aut-Luhri National Highway (NH-305) near Mangalore in the Banjar subdivision, a temporary bailey bridge has yet to be completed—primarily due to heavy vehicular movement through the area. The bridge had collapsed under the weight of a concrete mixer truck attempting to cross it, triggering widespread disruption.

In the immediate aftermath, the Public Works Department (PWD) arranged an alternative route through the riverbed, allowing vehicles to pass. However, this narrow, makeshift route has become a major bottleneck, causing traffic jams that sometimes take up to an hour to clear—frustrating both local residents and tourists.

Although the district administration initially assured the public that the bailey bridge would be operational within a week, construction remains sluggish. PWD officials from the technical wing blame the unceasing flow of traffic for the delay and have urged the administration to enforce periodic halts in vehicular movement to allow uninterrupted work.

“Construction has begun at Mangalore, but heavy traffic is making it extremely difficult,” said GL Thakur, Executive Engineer, PWD Technical Wing. “We’ve requested half-hour traffic halts during the day. With proper administrative support, the bridge can be completed within a week — otherwise, it will take significantly longer.”

Meanwhile, residents are also growing increasingly concerned over the delayed reconstruction of the Bhuntar bridge. Avaninder, a local resident, pointed out that while the PWD had initially set a six-month timeline for the 40.60-metre, double-lane RCC bridge over the Beas, more than four months have already passed with little visible progress. He warned that rising water levels in the Beas by June could further hamper construction if the pace does not pick up.

The delays are fuelling frustration among residents, many of whom rely on these bridges for daily commuting and economic activity. The call for swifter administrative coordination and decisive action is growing louder, as the region braces for seasonal challenges that could further stall critical infrastructure development.

Himachal Tribune