Bridge collapse on Berasia-Narsinghgarh road disrupts traffic
   Date :18-Jan-2025

The collapsed bridge
 
Staff Reporter :
 
In a major incident occurred late Thursday night, the Parvati River bridge on the Berasia-Narsinghgarh road in Bhopal collapsed, leading to the suspension of traffic, particularly for heavy vehicles. Authorities have quickly responded to the situation, with a team from the Public Works Department (PWD) and local administration on-site to assess the damage and co-ordinate repairs. The bridge, which connects Berasia in Bhopal to Narsinghgarh in Rajgarh, partially sank after developing deep cracks, creating significant safety concerns for commuters. Following the collapse, the Berasia SDM, Ashutosh Sharma, along with officials from the Narsinghgarh PWD, inspected the scene. They noted that the damage was severe enough to warrant an immediate investigation and further action. A special committee has been formed to examine the situation and prepare a report on the cause and extent of the collapse. The local administration has acted swiftly, barricading both sides of the bridge to prevent any vehicular movement, especially for heavy vehicles, to avoid further damage or potential accidents.
 
Currently, only two-wheelers are permitted to use the bridge, although a temporary alternative route is being planned for all vehicles. The authorities have assured that the diversion routes will be operational within the next couple of days. The Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC) team arrived at the site on Friday to conduct a thorough inspection. After reviewing the damage, they began working on the next steps, which include assessing the severity of the collapse and planning for repairs. SDM Ashutosh Sharma confirmed that vehicles travelling between Berasia and Narsinghgarh will need to use other routes until further notice. The disruption of this key route has caused considerable inconvenience, as it has severed the direct road link between Bhopal and Rajgarh. According to information, the Parvati River bridge, built in 1976, is almost 49 years old, and experts believe that its age and lack of proper maintenance could have contributed to its collapse.
 
While the exact cause of the incident is still under investigation, early reports suggest that the structural integrity of the bridge had significantly weakened over time, leading to the failure. The authorities have assured the public that the situation is being handled with urgency, and steps are being taken to restore the damaged bridge. However, until the repairs are completed, the movement of heavy vehicles will remain restricted, and commuters are urged to use the alternative routes that will be made available soon. Local police have been deployed at both ends of the bridge to ensure safety and guide vehicles accordingly.