Traffic resumes on Nanda ki Chowki bridge; probe report sought regarding the approach road
The government has sought an inquiry report within three days and issued instructions to fix accountability regarding the collapse of the approach road to the newly constructed bridge in Premnagar. Meanwhile, traffic on the bridge has resumed following the completion of repair work. PWD Secretary Pankaj Pandey stated that strict action would be taken if any negligence is found regarding the collapse of the approach road.
The Uttarakhand government has taken a stern stance on the issue of the approach road collapsing at the newly constructed bridge over the Tons River at Nanda ki Chowki in Dehradun’s Premnagar area. Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD), has issued formal orders for a preliminary inquiry into the entire matter. He has directed the Chief Engineer of the Dehradun regional office to submit a detailed inquiry report within three days.
The report is required to clearly outline the technical causes of the incident, facts related to the construction work, documentary evidence, and the fixing of responsibility. The order issued by the Secretary notes that information regarding damage to a section of the approach road of the newly constructed bridge over the Tons River at Nanda ki Chowki—located on the old Dehradun-Paonta Sahib National Highway—had surfaced through various social media platforms and news reports. Given that this matter concerns public interest and safety, the order mandates an immediate preliminary inquiry and the submission of a report to the government within three days.
The order further emphasizes the highly sensitive nature of the issue, stating that delays in the inquiry at any level will not be tolerated. Instructions have also been issued to the Engineer-in-Chief of the PWD to ensure necessary action is taken.
Repairs Completed, Traffic Restored: Following the incident, the PWD launched relief and repair operations on a war footing. According to departmental officials, the depression (pit) formed on the approach road has been completely filled, and the damaged section has been reinforced. Work was carried out continuously at the site using heavy machinery and an adequate workforce. Technical tests and safety inspections were conducted, after which traffic was restored.
