Keonjhar: Continuous rain triggered by a low pressure system damaged the Banchha bridge in Hatadihi block of Keonjhar district, disrupting road connectivity. No casualties were reported. The bridge on the main road connecting Balibarei village collapsed around 9.30 pm on Tuesday, affecting vehicular movement.The bridge serves as a crucial link for residents of Padhiaripalli and K Balipal panchayats. Besides daily commuters, essential services such as PDS supply vehicles, ambulances and school buses use the route regularly. Villagers from Balibarei, Ramakrishnapur, Danaipur and surrounding areas also depend on the bridge to access Vidyadharpur market, a key commercial hub in the area.Residents said they had raised concerns about the bridge’s deteriorating condition during construction of a new road by the rural development department two years ago. At present, locals are using a nearby footbridge near Balibarei village to cross the area, though it is unsuitable for vehicular traffic.
The collapsed portion of the bridge
