Under-Construction Bridge Collapses Due to Gusty Winds in Nowshera
Shyam Sood
Rajouri, April 17: In a glaring example of prolonged delays and poor-quality work in crucial infrastructure projects, an iron bridge-under construction for over 10 years-collapsed after gusty winds and thundershowers struck Nowshera on Wednesday.
The motorable iron bridge, spanning 132 meters and estimated to cost Rs 592 lakh, was being constructed by the Public Works Department (R&B) between Breri and Hanjana villages in the Nowshera subdivision of Rajouri district.
Residents reported that at the time of the collapse, one cross-slab section had already been laid, while construction was still ongoing on the remaining parts. According to sources, the project was initiated in the 2014–15 fiscal year but remained stalled for several years due to funding constraints.
A resident stated that Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary had recently taken serious note of the delays and instructed the contractor and department officials to expedite the work. Following persistent public demand, construction had resumed. The bridge is considered vital as it connects the sensitive border blocks of Nowshera and Seri.
“But unfortunately, no pillar was constructed in the center, so the bridge collapsed like a pack of cards,” a resident remarked.
At the time of the collapse, more than 16 labourers were present at the site. Due to the sudden gusty winds and thundershowers, the workers took a precautionary break of about an hour. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Residents of the area have demanded stringent action against the official concerned and the contractor, including cancellation of his job card.
The incident has sparked concerns about structural safety and the slow pace of infrastructure development in remote areas.
A detailed report outlining the technical reasons for the collapse has yet to be released by the concerned authorities. However, Manjeet Singh, a local chowkidar, stated, “First, we spotted fire on the bridge, and then it collapsed.”
