A bridge on the Aut-Luhri National Highway (NH-305) near Mangalore in Banjar subdivision of Kullu district collapsed in the wee hours today as a concrete mixer truck was crossing it. The incident that occurred around 3 am caused significant traffic disruption, leaving vehicles stranded on both sides of the highway. The bridge was the sole link between the Bali Chowki area of Mandi district and Banjar in Kullu district. However, traffic was partially restored by the evening through an alternate route from the rivulet.
The concrete mixer truck plunged into the ravine below and the driver sustained minor injuries. He was given first aid at a nearby hospital. Vehicular traffic halted completely after the bridge collapsed, creating problems for passengers and locals. Many of them were seen risking their lives by crossing the rivulet on foot with the assistance of local residents.
The local administration acted swiftly and rescued stranded tourists through alternative routes. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kullu, deployed machinery to create a temporary path through the ravine for stranded vehicles. However, SDO, Public Works Department, Banjar, Tehal Singh said that the construction of an alternative route would require extensive work and could take several days. Officials were also considering the construction of a temporary bridge, though this, too, may take time. The bridge was built in 1970s and its collapse has posed severe challenges for local residents. The administration is working on plans to find a temporary solution.
Banjar MLA Surender Shourie visited the accident site to assess the situation. He said that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was informed about the incident early in the morning. He assured people that alternative arrangements would be made soon. Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh also visited the incident place and gathered information from officials about the cause of the bridge collapse and the construction of an alternative route.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur stated on social media, “Traffic has been completely disrupted due to the collapse of the Mangalore bridge on the National Highway-305, connecting Banjar to Bali Chowki in Seraj. I have spoken to the officials concerned and instructed them to make an alternative route with temporary construction immediately so that locals and stranded tourists face minimal inconvenience. The NHAI has also been urged to find a permanent solution.”
