In a terrifying incident on Monday, passengers of a train had a narrow escape when the retaining wall of a railway bridge over the Chakki river near Dhangu in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh collapsed due to continuous heavy rainfall. The accident raised safety concerns, especially as this railway line is one of the busiest routes connecting Delhi to Jammu via Pathankot.
The retaining wall of the bridge gave way after days of incessant rain in the region. The incident took place just as a train was passing over the bridge, making the situation even more dangerous. Despite the partial collapse, the train successfully crossed the bridge without derailing, saving passengers from what could have been a major tragedy.
Dhangu, where the collapse occurred, is located on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The bridge is a part of the main Delhi-Jammu railway line, which sees heavy passenger and freight traffic daily.
Visuals of the incident, captured on mobile phones and shared on social media, show the exact moment when a part of the retaining wall collapsed as the train passed over the bridge. The video went viral, leaving viewers shocked and relieved that no lives were lost.
The images highlight the urgency of inspecting and maintaining railway infrastructure, particularly in areas prone to heavy rain and landslides during the monsoon season.
Following the incident, the Nurpur superintendent of police (SP), Ashok Ratan, confirmed that the retaining wall collapsed because of excessive rainfall in the area. He said, “The retaining wall collapsed following excessive rain in the area. As a precautionary measure, we have closed the adjoining Dhangu road for now and have informed the railway authorities.”
Officials are now monitoring the site closely to ensure that no further damage occurs. The railway authorities have been alerted and are expected to assess the bridge’s safety and take necessary repair measures.
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Authorities have temporarily closed the Dhangu road adjacent to the railway bridge to prevent accidents. Heavy rains have weakened several structures in the region, making it risky for vehicles and pedestrians to move close to the affected area.
Residents have been advised to avoid travelling near the Chakki river bridge until safety checks and repair work are completed. Officials are also keeping a close watch on the water levels in the Chakki river, which have risen due to continuous rainfall.
Himachal Pradesh has been receiving heavy rainfall for several days, resulting in landslides, road blockages, and damage to infrastructure. The collapse of the retaining wall is just one of many weather-related incidents in the region. The state’s hilly terrain and fragile infrastructure often make it vulnerable to rain-induced disasters.
The monsoon season is particularly challenging for the railway network in northern states like Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, as soil erosion and flooding frequently impact bridges and tracks.
Although no injuries were reported, the passengers on the train were left shaken by the incident. The visuals of the train crossing the bridge moments before the collapse highlight how close they were to a potential disaster. Authorities are now reviewing train schedules and routes to ensure the safety of travellers during ongoing heavy rainfall.
In the wake of this incident, railway authorities are expected to conduct immediate inspections of all bridges along the Delhi-Jammu railway line, particularly those crossing rivers and streams. Structural checks and maintenance work will be prioritised to prevent similar occurrences.
Officials also emphasised the need for continuous monitoring of vulnerable infrastructure during heavy rainfall. The incident has prompted a discussion on upgrading safety protocols and improving the durability of railway bridges in flood-prone areas.
Authorities have issued advisories urging commuters and travellers to remain cautious and plan their journeys according to weather updates. The ongoing monsoon rains are likely to continue for several more days, which could increase the risk of landslides and infrastructure damage.
Passengers using the Delhi-Jammu route are being asked to stay updated about train schedules, as delays or cancellations may occur due to safety inspections and repair work.
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