Dudhia bridge reopens: CM lauds PWD for completing work in record time
The Statesman | 29 October 2025In a social media post, the Chief Minister said the 468-metre-long bridge — featuring a 72-metre Hume pipe causeway of 8-metre width — was constructed using 132 Hume pipes of 1200 mm diameter. The work, which began on 10 October, was completed within just 16 days through round-the-clock efforts under challenging conditions.
“The old bridge, built in 1965, had become structurally vulnerable. The West Bengal government had already sanctioned Rs 54 crore for a new bridge, which is progressing in full swing,” Miss Banerjee stated, praising the Public Works Department (PWD) for their “commendable effort” in accomplishing the project in record time.
The Chief Minister said the timely completion has restored a vital lifeline for residents and commuters, providing major relief to the region.
The bridge had been damaged by floods triggered by continuous heavy rainfall in the region on 4 and 5 October, this year.
Meanwhile, executive engineer Anandamay Mandal of the Darjeeling Highway Division, PWD (Roads) Directorate, has urged the superintendent of police, Darjeeling, to enforce load restrictions on the newly built temporary Hume Pipe Diversion Road over the Balason river near Dudhia.
In his communication, Mandal stated that vehicles exceeding 10 metric tonnes of gross weight should not be allowed on the diversion road, located at 5.70 km on the Garidhura–Mirik–Simanabusty route. The restriction, he said, is necessary to ensure public safety and prevent any untoward incidents.
