News
Gajj Khad in Spate, Kalasai Suspension Bridge Washed Away
Residents forced to take long detours after collapse
Shimla, Updated At : 14:01 PM Aug 27, 2025 IST
A senior district official confirmed on Wednesday that the suspension bridge over Gajj Khad in Kalasai, Shahpur (Kangra district), was washed away following three consecutive days of heavy rainfall this week.
Built in the 1990s, the suspension bridge could not withstand the strong current and was swept away within minutes. Its collapse has severed direct connectivity for several villages, including Bhitlu, Dehda, Kotla, Maniyana, and Kut. For hundreds of people, the bridge was the only link to the main road.
Although an alternate road via Chadi to Bhitlu exists, locals said the bridge remained a vital passage for pedestrians and workers from nearby projects.
Residents, including Jeevan Kumar and Pappu Ram, said the bridge had been in a dilapidated condition for nearly two years.
“The pillars were partially damaged, but neither the Public Works Department nor the district administration paid attention. This negligence ultimately led to the collapse,” they alleged.
With the bridge gone, villagers are now compelled to take long detours or risk crossing the swollen khad. The limited alternative routes mean prolonged inconvenience, especially for those who relied on the bridge for daily commuting and work. Many villages still lack direct road connectivity, leaving them particularly vulnerable.
Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said he has directed the Public Works Department to assess the damage and prepare a detailed project report, including cost estimates, for the construction of a new bridge.
