- विज्ञापन -
Kangra, Himachal Pradesh: On Monday, July 21, 2025, passengers on a train traveling the Delhi-Jammu railway line via Pathankot narrowly escaped disaster when the retaining wall of a railway bridge over the Chakki River near Dhangu in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, collapsed due to incessant rainfall.
Dhangu, located on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, witnessed the dramatic incident, which was captured in frightening viral videos circulating on social media, sparking widespread concern.
Nurpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashok Ratan reported that the collapse was triggered by excessive rainfall in the region. As a precautionary measure, the adjoining Dhangu road has been closed, and railway authorities have been informed to address the situation.
The railway bridge, previously flagged as unsafe by authorities, is part of a critical route, and the incident has raised alarms about infrastructure safety amid heavy monsoon rains.
The viral footage shows the train crossing the bridge just moments before the foundation gave way, with the stormy Chakki River flooding below, eroding the base and causing parts to collapse into the water.
No casualties were reported, but the incident has intensified concerns about the impact of heavy rainfall and alleged illegal mining in the area, which locals claim has weakened the bridge’s structure over time.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Kangra and other districts, contributing to widespread flooding and landslides across Himachal Pradesh.
The railway authorities have categorized the bridge as dangerous, and repair work is underway to address the damage. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining infrastructure in the region, especially during the monsoon season, which has caused significant devastation, including 78 deaths and widespread damage since June 20, 2025.
