Chichong bridge on NH 505 Spiti collapsed, traffic diverted to Kiyamon bridge

The 15-year-old Chichog bridge on NH 505, a crucial link between Losar and Kaza, collapsed on Sunday morning. The incident occurred when a sand-laden dumper attempted to cross the bridge, which couldn’t bear the heavy load. The iron bridge, with wooden sleepers in the middle, suddenly gave way, sending the dumper plunging into the river below. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

The collapse has completely blocked the Kaza-Manali route, a vital artery for transportation and connectivity in the region. In response, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) swiftly diverted traffic to the Kiyamon Bridge, providing an alternative route for travelers. To restore connectivity as soon as possible, the BRO has begun constructing a temporary culvert at the site of the collapsed bridge.

The Chichog bridge had a weight capacity of 12 tonnes, but the dumper’s excess load on one side caused the bridge to fail. Given the bridge’s age, the BRO had already assigned repair work to a contractor. In the meantime, the culvert will temporarily restore traffic flow, and plans for constructing a new bridge at the site are already underway.

The collapse of the Chichog bridge underscores the challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure in remote areas like Spiti, where such structures are essential for connectivity. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for regular maintenance and timely upgrades to ensure the safety and reliability of critical infrastructure.