CHITRAKOOT, Madhya Pradesh: The Public Works Department (PWD) has drawn up an emergency-response and reconstruction plan for the Ramghat-Hanuman Dhara bridge over the Mandakini River, which collapsed on August 29 after the worst floods in two decades submerged parts of the town and breached local dams.
Extent of damage and immediate measures
Engineers from the state PWD carried out an on-site inspection soon after the collapse. Gopal Singh, Chief Engineer (Bridge), said the cantilever bridge, built in 1985, failed after heavy rains raised the river about seven metres above the historical High Flood Level (HFL), dislodging a major structural slab.
Singh estimated that a full rebuild — involving installation of new spans and repair of core structural defects — will require roughly eight to nine months once the water level stabilises and foundation inspection is feasible.
“This bridge will be constructed after the water level stabilises. The deficiencies of the bridge will be rectified; it will take about 8-9 months to rebuild this bridge,”
He added that work to construct a temporary pontoon (Pipa) bridge will be undertaken to maintain connectivity for pilgrims and tourists visiting Ramghat and the Mandakini River during the upcoming Diwali season.
Strategy for reconstruction
According to the PWD chief engineer, the immediate approach comprises two parallel tracks: erecting a temporary pontoon bridge to facilitate movement, and preparing for permanent reconstruction once hydrological conditions permit detailed examination of submerged foundations.
- Temporary pontoon (Pipa) bridge to be installed to handle pilgrimage and local traffic.
- Inspection of submerged foundations once floodwaters recede to determine extent of damage.
- Reuse of viable existing sections after minor repairs where feasible to speed restoration.
- Installation of new spans and repair of slabs identified as structurally deficient.
Singh said engineers would aim to reuse existing components where safe, but thorough foundation checks will determine the final scope of reconstruction. He warned that substantive work on slabs and spans cannot begin until the river level allows safe access to submerged elements.
Local impact and seasonal considerations
The bridge served as a vital link for residents, vendors and pilgrims accessing Ramghat. With Diwali approaching, the administration’s decision to prioritise a temporary pontoon crossing reflects concerns about maintaining pilgrim flows and minimising disruption to local livelihoods dependent on tourism.
Officials have emphasised that the temporary pontoon bridge is a stop-gap arrangement and will not substitute for the structural integrity required of the permanent crossing. Detailed engineering assessments after water levels fall will guide whether additional protective measures against future high-flood events are necessary.
Technical and administrative timeline
Work is contingent on seasonal and hydrological factors. The PWD has set the following milestones, subject to on-ground conditions:
| Event | Timing (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Temporary pontoon bridge construction | To begin once logistics and river conditions permit |
| Foundation inspections | After floodwaters recede sufficiently for safe access |
| Permanent reconstruction (spans and slab repairs) | About 8–9 months from start of reconstruction works |
Administrative clearances and procurement of materials will run alongside technical surveys, the PWD said. Singh indicated that some existing bridge sections deemed safe could be refurbished and integrated into the rebuilt structure to shorten timelines.
Wider context
The bridge collapse follows unprecedented rainfall in the region that breached several dams and inundated low-lying areas. Authorities have focused on both rescue-and-relief and restoring essential infrastructure to normalise movement and economic activity.
Rehabilitation of the Ramghat-Hanuman Dhara bridge is expected to be closely monitored by district administration due to its significance for pilgrimage routes and local commerce. The PWD has underscored that ensuring long-term resilience against similar extreme events will be a priority while rebuilding.
For residents and commuters: The administration has advised people to follow official notices regarding temporary crossings and avoid attempting makeshift river crossings. Details about the temporary pontoon bridge’s access points and timings will be issued by the district authorities once the installation schedule is finalised.
-- Shweta Verma
