Preeti
Kangra
A major setback has struck the Dhannotu–Laleta–Banu road project in Kangra district, as the newly constructed Chambi Khad bridge at Shahpur collapsed even before its inauguration.
The project, with an estimated cost of ₹9.70 crore, included the bridge component worth about ₹2.50 crore. Just last month, reports highlighted that construction was in its final stages after transmission lines were shifted. However, heavy rains and water flow led to the sudden collapse of the superstructure.
According to PWD Chief Engineer Vikas Sood, continuous rainfall caused settlement in the shuttering and base, resulting in the failure. He clarified that the abutments remain intact.
The incident has triggered sharp questions about soil testing, water flow assessment, load calculations, and quality monitoring during construction. Experts point out that any bridge project requires strict adherence to DPR preparation, design approval, soil investigation, and departmental supervision.
The Himachal Pradesh PWD has now constituted an inquiry team to investigate technical lapses and fix departmental accountability.
