Bailey bridge restores vital link on NH-305 after 27 days of disruption

After 27 days of disruption, vehicle movement has finally resumed near Mangalore on the Aut-Luhri National Highway (NH-305) following the completion of a new bailey bridge. The development has brought much-needed relief to residents of Banjar and Anni, as well as tourists visiting the scenic region. The earlier collapse of the bridge had caused severe traffic disruptions, forcing commuters onto risky detours and triggering long delays.

The crisis began in the early hours of April 12, when a mixer truck attempting to cross the bridge led to its sudden collapse. The truck plunged into the river below, but the driver fortunately escaped with minor injuries. In the immediate aftermath, authorities constructed a temporary road through the rivulet to facilitate movement. However, this makeshift route soon turned into a bottleneck, causing heavy congestion and long queues of stranded vehicles on both sides.

The continuous flow of traffic also hindered efforts to install the bailey bridge. Though officials had aimed to complete the structure within a week, multiple challenges—especially persistent congestion—stretched the project to nearly a month. Frustrated commuters faced mounting stress as the wait for a functional bridge grew longer

Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh visited the site on April 15 to assess the situation, accompanied by senior officials. He assured locals that swift construction was underway. The PWD Technical Wing later recommended halting traffic at intervals to accelerate progress. Despite obstacles, the PWD worked around the clock and finally completed the bridge.

Though the CM had planned to inaugurate the bridge during a scheduled visit to Banjar on May 7, the visit was cancelled. Nevertheless, the bridge was opened to the public yesterday, without a formal ceremony, in response to mounting public pressure and directives from authorities.

While the bailey bridge offers temporary relief, locals are now demanding a permanent solution. Residents are calling for the construction of a durable, concrete double-lane bridge capable of handling the heavy traffic on NH-305. Many fear the new bridge may meet the same fate as the Bhuntar bailey bridge, which was meant to be temporary but remained in place for over 30 years.

In addition, citizens are urging the government to expedite the long-delayed widening of NH-305 and to immediately repair the damaged stretch between Aut and Jalori Pass.

Himachal Tribune