Rs 6cr bridge nearing completion collapses after landslide in Chamba

Kullu: A massive landslide triggered by continuous rainfall destroyed an under-construction steel truss bridge in the Bharmour region of Chamba district on Tuesday morning.The landslide struck around 7am, sending heavy boulders crashing into the structure. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. "Debris and boulders fell from a height of approximately 300 metres, striking the near-complete bridge. The impact damaged the abutment, causing the entire structure to collapse into the river," Bharmour sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Vikas Sharma told TOI. "Rebuilding efforts will commence as soon as possible. We will conduct a full assessment of the losses once the extent of the damage to the structure and materials is verified," the SDM added. Construction on the bridge began in 2023 at an estimated cost of Rs 6 crore. Work was 90% complete at the time of the collapse. The bridge was designed to provide critical all-weather connectivity between Holi and Bharmour, serving as a vital alternative during the monsoon when the Kharamukh route is blocked by frequent landslides. Bharmour BJP MLA Janak Raj told TOI that the incident was a major setback for the region, as the project may get delayed. "This bridge was an old demand of the locals. I think the site selection was not appropriate," said the MLA, adding that if the state govt provides immediate funding, work could start immediately. "But I don't have any high hopes from this state govt when it comes to funding projects," he said. BOX Passengers leave car as landslide strikes Occupants of a car had a narrow escape when a landslide struck the Manikaran-Barshaini link road at Ghatighar in the popular tourist destination of Parvati valley in Kullu district on Tuesday. The car was crossing a landslide zone when the falling debris struck and damaged the vehicle. The driver and other occupants had to abandon the vehicle and run for safety. Around a dozen landslides have struck the link road to Barshaini, a popular tourist village and gateway to Kheerganga trek, in the last few months, stranding tourists. MSID:: 130086793 413 |