Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Cracks Widen on Unsafe Rahon–Machhiwara Bridge in Punjab
There is a bridge in Punjab called the Rahon–Machhiwara bridge that is very old and has big cracks.
Experts say it is not safe, especially for heavy trucks.
But even though the government knows this, heavy trucks are still using the bridge, especially at night.
People who live nearby are very worried because the bridge could break and cause a big accident.
The bridge was built a long time ago and has been getting worse for years.
The government says they need to fix it, but it will take a long time and cost a lot of money.
People want the government to stop heavy trucks from using the bridge right away to prevent a disaster.
The 20-year-old Rahon–Machhiwara bridge in Punjab has widening cracks, raising safety concerns.
Declared unsafe by PWD and IIT Roorkee, the bridge continues to be used by heavily loaded tipper trucks.
Illegal sand mining and heavy vehicle traffic are exacerbating the bridge's deteriorating condition.
Residents and officials have alerted authorities, but enforcement and repairs are delayed.
IIT Roorkee recommends reconstructing the bridge instead of repairing it, which could take months.
- Who
- Residents, PWD officials, IIT Roorkee experts, district administration, state government
- What
- Widening cracks on the Rahon–Machhiwara bridge, declared unsafe, with heavy vehicles continuing to ply
- When
- Structural problems began nearly a decade ago, current concerns raised recently
- Where
- Nawanshahr district, Punjab, over the Sutlej River
- Why
- Illegal mining, heavy vehicle traffic, administrative inaction, and deteriorating infrastructure
- Bridge Name
- Rahon–Machhiwara bridge
- Location
- Nawanshahr district, Punjab
- Construction Cost
- Rs 29 crore
- Year of Inauguration
- 2005-06
- Designed Load Capacity
- 80 metric tonnes
- Current Load
- Up to 200-300 metric tonnes
- Assessment by IIT Roorkee
- Unsafe for heavy traffic
- Repair Estimate
- Months