Bailey bridge collapses in Kullu

The Manikaran-Bhunter bailey bridge, built to withstand up to 15 tonnes of weight, collapsed when a trailer carrying 50 tonnes tried to cross it on Friday night.

The Army had constructed this bridge on a war footing after the link road to the main bridge across the Beas was washed away in the 1995 floods. Since then, this bridge was the main link for Manikaran and Gadsa valley in Kullu. Official sources said the trailer was carrying the main inject valve of the AD Power Project in Prini.

PWD executive engineer S K Verma said the power project had not obtained permission to ferry the machinery over the bridge. He said an FIR has been lodged against project officials. Verma, who pegged the damage at Rs 80 lakh, said the bridge would be repaired soon.