Gone in 16 days: Dehradun’s Rs 16 crore bridge collapses in rain
A newly constructed bridge in Dehradun, India, suffered a partial collapse just 17 days after its inauguration following heavy rainfall. Local authorities have ordered an investigation into potential construction negligence, as the incident has sparked public outcry over infrastructure quality.
Why it matters
The collapse highlights recurring issues with infrastructure durability and government accountability in public works projects.
DEHRADUN: Just 17 days after it was opened to traffic, the Rs 16-crore bridge at Nanda ki Chowki in Dehradun became the latest casualty of heavy rainfall after a large section of its approach road collapsed early Tuesday, leaving a gaping crater that disconnected the bridge from the Dehradun-Paonta Sahib highway. Officials, however, maintained that the “bridge itself remains structurally safe” and that only the approach road collapsed after overnight rain washed away the soil beneath it.The bridge, inaugurated on July 12 after missing its original April 30 deadline, was built to replace the previous structure that was washed away in Sept last year, killing 14 people.The incident prompted district magistrate Ashish Chauhan to take cognisance of the collapse and direct officials to take action against those found responsible if lapses in construction or execution are established.PWD secretary Pankaj Kumar Pandey said, “The chief engineer of the regional office has…
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