Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Bailey Bridge Repairs May Disrupt Siliguri-Mirik Connectivity Next Week
The Indian Army built a temporary Bailey bridge after the original bridge over the Balasan River collapsed.
This bridge helps people travel between Siliguri and Mirik.
The Army says the bridge needs repairs to keep it safe.
The bridge may be closed on September 15, or on September 17 if the work is delayed.
People and vehicles will not be able to use it while repairs are taking place.
A separate road diversion for heavy vehicles was partly damaged by strong river water.
More rain could make travel even harder.
Officials are expected to plan ways to keep the hills and plains connected.
The Indian Army plans to repair the 200-metre Bailey bridge over the Balasan River at Dudhia.
The bridge is scheduled to close to traffic on September 15, with September 17 as an alternative date.
The closure could temporarily disrupt road communication between Siliguri and Mirik for a day.
A diversion for heavy vehicles was partly washed away after strong river currents damaged it on Friday.
The Bailey bridge remains important until a permanent Balasan bridge, costing more than Rs 50 crore, is completed.
- Who
- The Indian Army, the Darjeeling district administration, and commuters using the route.
- What
- Maintenance and repair work on a 200-metre Bailey bridge may temporarily interrupt traffic.
- When
- The work is scheduled for September 15, or September 17 if it cannot be done on the first date.
- Where
- At Dudhia over the Balasan River, on the Siliguri-Mirik route in Darjeeling district, Bengal.
- Why
- The Army says repairs are needed for safety and security, while the bridge is also needed after the original bridge collapsed.
- Bridge length
- 200 metres
- Planned repair date
- September 15
- Alternative repair date
- September 17
- Bridge location
- Dudhia over the Balasan River
- Users currently permitted
- Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and light four-wheelers
- Permanent bridge allocation
- More than Rs 50 crore
- Diversion condition
- Partly damaged, with a portion washed away by strong river currents