Dudhia, 23rd June: The Indian Army has joined efforts to restore connectivity between Siliguri and Mirik after the temporary hume pipe bridge at Dudhia was submerged due to a rise in the water level of the Balason River following heavy rainfall on Saturday night.
The disruption cut off road communication between Siliguri and Mirik, prompting immediate action from the authorities. Within hours of the incident, the Public Works Department (PWD) began repair work on the instructions of the State Government.
Officials said a 34-metre-long and 1-metre-wide footbridge will be constructed at the site of the damaged hume pipe bridge to facilitate movement.
Simultaneously, the Army has started work on a Bailey Bridge near the temporary structure. The proposed bridge will be approximately 58 metres long and 3.5 metres wide.
Authorities expect the construction work to be completed within the next seven days, helping restore normal connectivity between Siliguri and Mirik.
PWD Secretary Antara Acharya and District Magistrate Harishankar Panicker visited the Balason River site and inspected the ongoing construction work.
Local residents have expressed hope that transport services between Siliguri and Mirik will resume at the earliest.