Key Facts
Mandi district's Pandoh area is once again facing delays in the construction of a crucial bridge over the Beas river. The project, which started in October 2025, has been stalled due to rising water levels and strong currents. The piling machine has been removed from the site, bringing work to a halt. The bridge is intended to connect Pandoh market with 12 surrounding panchayats, replacing a previous bridge that was washed away in the 2023 disaster.
Details of the Delay
The construction of the new double-lane steel bridge, 120 meters long, was already delayed earlier due to design changes that caused a two-month stoppage. Now, the monsoon season has added to the woes. Executive Engineer Dushyant Pal of the Public Works Department stated, "Due to strong currents, work has been halted for now. As soon as the water level of the Beas river becomes normal, construction work will be resumed." However, with the target of completing the bridge by December 2026, the timeline appears increasingly difficult.
Impact on Local Residents
Since the old bridge was destroyed in the 2023 floods, residents of 12 panchayats have to travel an extra 8 kilometers to reach Pandoh market. This has severely affected students, working professionals, traders, and daily commuters. Local residents Rohit, Raman, Deep, Tarun, and Jatin expressed their frustration, saying, "If the department had started construction on time as per the approved design, the bridge would have been largely completed by now." They urged authorities to expedite work as soon as weather permits.
What Readers Should Know
The new bridge is being built at a higher elevation than the old one to withstand future floods. Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh had inspected the site and set the December deadline. However, with repeated delays, the completion remains uncertain. The department assures that work will resume once the river level normalizes.
FAQ
Why has the Pandoh bridge construction stopped?
Due to rising water levels and strong currents in the Beas river, the piling machine had to be removed from the site, halting work.
When will the bridge be completed?
The target is December 2026, but due to design changes and monsoon delays, it appears challenging.
How many panchayats will benefit from this bridge?
Around 12 panchayats will benefit, serving thousands of residents.