KANGRA, July 21 — A major disaster was narrowly averted on Monday after the retaining wall of a railway bridge over the Chakki river near Dhangu, on the Himachal Pradesh-Punjab border, collapsed following continuous rainfall. The incident occurred on the vital Delhi-Jammu railway route via Pathankot, raising concerns about infrastructure stability in the rain-hit region.
The bridge, situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, faced structural failure due to relentless downpours, prompting immediate precautionary measures from local authorities. Despite the dramatic circumstances, no casualties were reported.
Frightening footage of the train’s close brush with danger quickly circulated on social media, prompting alarm and drawing widespread attention to the vulnerability of railway infrastructure in the hilly terrain amid monsoon season.
“The retaining wall gave way due to excessive rain in the area,” said Nurpur superintendent of police Ashok Ratan. “We have temporarily closed the adjoining Dhangu road and informed the railway authorities for further action.”
Officials said the train managed to cross safely before the wall’s collapse, and railway operations were halted in the area to ensure safety inspections. Emergency personnel were deployed to assess the damage and oversee road closures.
Dhangu, located at the intersection of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, frequently witnesses intense rain activity, making its infrastructure particularly susceptible during monsoons. The incident has renewed calls for reinforcement of bridges and support walls along crucial transport corridors.
As rail services remain partially suspended for inspection, railway engineers are expected to evaluate the bridge’s stability before allowing any further movement on the track.
No passengers were injured, but the incident has stirred anxiety about safety protocols and timely maintenance in flood-prone regions.
