Century-old bridges on Mandi road in bad shape

Ravinder Sood

Palampur, July 16

At least 15 small and major bridges on the Pathankot-Mandi National Highway that were constructed at least 110 years ago during the British rule have virtually turned into death traps. Fatal accidents have been reported here in the past six months.

The vehicular movement on the highway has witnessed a sharp increase over the years. However, the NHAI has failed to carry out required repair works, leading to a rise in the number of accidents. Most bridges are on the verge of collapse. Since the bridges are narrow, traffic jams on the national highway have become a regular feature. The Pathankot-Mandi highway is one of the busiest stretches and is used by thousands of motorists daily.

Work on fourlaning the highway has also been hanging fire, with the state government now showing its unwillingness to do the same and mulling handing over its upkeep back to the PWD.

Sources said if the maintenance of the highway was handed over to the PWD, the situation would become worse. The condition of a bridge with a narrow curve near Matour (Kangra) and Kalu Di Hatti on the highway was the worst.

Sources said since the highway fell in “medium priority” of the NHAI, the four-laning project was likely to be delayed by two to three years. The NHAI had discontinued the land acquisition process.

Admitting this, an NHAI official said land acquisition for the four-lane project had been stopped and the final decision on the issue and the construction of new bridges would be taken later.

Tragedy waiting to happen

• Since the bridges are narrow, traffic jams on the Pathankot-Mandi highway have become a regular feature
• The highway is one of the busiest stretches and is used by thousands of vehicles daily
• The foundation of all bridges has weakened and recent heavy rain has further aggravated the problem.
•  The condition of a bridge with a narrow curve near Matour (Kangra) and Kalu Di Hatti on the highway is the worst