- By Priyanka Koul
- Fri, 19 Jun 2026 02:22 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Darjeeling Rain: North Bengal is witnessing an intense spell of rainfall on Friday, with the weather department forecasting the wet conditions to persist for the next few days. Heavy to very heavy rainfall has been predicted in the districts of Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar and Darjeeling.
Continuous downpours in Darjeeling district have led to a sudden rise in the water level of the Balasan River, damaging a temporary Hume pipe bridge built across it. As a result, vehicular movement between Siliguri and the Mirik subdivision has come to a complete halt.
The temporary structure had been constructed after the collapse of the Dudhia iron bridge in 2025. The bridge, a vital link connecting Siliguri and Mirik over the Balasan River, was washed away amid relentless rainfall and landslides in October last year.
The Hume pipe bridge was built as an alternative arrangement to restore connectivity. However, due to the sharp rise in the river's water level caused by continuous rainfall, a portion of the temporary bridge at Dudhia has also collapsed, severely disrupting traffic movement.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across large parts of northwest and central India over the coming days.
An official told news agency PTI that the administration has diverted traffic and initiated emergency restoration work. Vehicles travelling between Siliguri and Mirik have been rerouted through the Pankhabari and Kurseong routes.
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New Bridge Being Built at a Cost of Rs 51 Crore
Another official said the government has sanctioned more than Rs 51 crore for the construction of a permanent two-lane bridge over the Balasan River, and work on the project is currently underway.