Rain Halts Bridge Work on NH-158, DM Conducts Site Inspection

DM Inspects Bridge Construction on NH-158 Amidst Heavy Rainfall

Balrampur | July 20, 2026 - Balrampur District Magistrate Dr. Vipin Kumar Jain conducted a site inspection on Monday of the bridge under construction by the Public Works Department near Katheria Pahadi Nala on National Highway-158. The inspection also covered the temporary alternative route, a vented causeway.

Traffic had been temporarily halted on the route due to a rise in water levels in the nullah caused by heavy rainfall. Officials informed the District Magistrate that a permanent bridge is under construction at Katheria Pahadi Nala. In the interim, a vented causeway has been built to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

Traffic Disrupted by Rising Nullah Water Levels

Recent torrential rains in the region have led to a significant influx of water from the hilly areas into the nullah, causing a rapid increase in its water level. The water began flowing over the surface of the causeway, prompting the administration to halt traffic as a precautionary measure to prevent any accidents.

District Magistrate Dr. Jain, upon reaching the site, thoroughly inspected the water flow, the sturdiness of the causeway, and the safety arrangements in place. He issued strict instructions to the Public Works Department and other relevant officials to continuously monitor the nullah's water level.

Safety Standards Emphasized for Traffic Resumption

He directed that traffic should only be resumed once the water level normalizes and recedes completely from the causeway's surface, strictly adhering to safety standards. He also ordered the installation of adequate barricading on both sides of the causeway, clear warning signs, and deployment of police and relevant department personnel as needed.

"The sudden rise in water levels in hilly nullahs during the monsoon season is common. In such circumstances, public safety is my top priority. Temporarily controlling traffic is a necessary precautionary step," stated the District Magistrate.

He instructed the concerned officials to maintain constant vigilance on the weather and water levels, and to provide timely updates to the public.