Siliguri, Jun 19 (PTI) Heavy rain caused damage to a temporary bridge over the swollen Balason river in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district on Friday, disrupting vehicular movement between Siliguri and the Mirik subdivision, officials said.
The hume pipe structure was constructed as an alternative mechanism following the collapse of the Dudhia iron bridge in 2025.
“A portion of the temporary hume pipe bridge at Dudhia collapsed after a sudden rise in water level of the river due to incessant rain,” an official said.
Vehicular movement has been diverted through alternative routes via Pankhabari and Kurseong, he said.
The government has sanctioned over Rs 51 crore for the construction of a permanent two-lane bridge over the Balason river, and the work is underway, another official said.
Locals said the collapse of the temporary bridge is likely to affect daily commuting in the area until emergency restoration measures are undertaken. PTI CORR BSM BDC
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