PWD constructs alternative bridge at Dudhia within 16 days of North Bengal disaster

In a heartening display of resilience amid North Bengal's recent deluge, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee praises the Public Works Department (PWD) for completing the robust 468-meter alternative Hume Pipe Bridge at Dudhia in 16 days post disaster, restoring vital links between the flood-isolated towns of Mirik and Siliguri. Struck hard by relentless rains and flash floods from a low-pressure system, the region watched in despair as the original Dudhia Bridge over the Balason River crumbled entirely under the onslaught of landslides and surging waters, severing one of the key arteries for locals, tourists, and commerce. CM Banerjee, who had swiftly toured the disaster zones and pledged immediate action, took to social media to hail the PWD's "tireless warriors" for their round-the-clock heroics—starting construction on October 10 and wrapping it up by October 26—transforming a nightmare of detours and isolation into a beacon of hope.

Inaugurates for public today, this alternative bridge, crafted from sturdy pipes, boulders, and engineering grit, welcoming vehicles and pedestrians alike and underscoring the state's unyielding commitment to bouncing back stronger.The catastrophe unfolded like a scene from disaster with Darjeeling and neighboring districts battered by immense rainfall with landslides—those sudden, ferocious floods that turned roads into rivers and hillsides into avalanches. Mirik, a serene hill station drawing hordes of visitors for its tea gardens and misty vistas, found itself cut off from Siliguri's bustling markets and airports, forcing residents to navigate treacherous, elongated routes that devoured hours and fuel.

As the bridge opens for public use, this stands as more than concrete and steel; it's a testament to collaborative spirit in crisis. For the PWD engineers and laborers who toiled through the nights. Looking ahead, while permanent reconstructions loom on the horizon, this interim fix buys precious time for economic revival—reigniting trade flows, easing commuter stress, and inviting travelers back to North Bengal's emerald embrace. Such swift interventions aren't exceptions but the norm, a blueprint for turning tragedies into triumphs and ensuring no corner of the state stays severed for long. For the people of Dudhia and North Bengal beyond, it's a reminder: when floods recede, progress also surges forward.