Darjeeling, October 6 — A bridge in Mirik subdivision of Darjeeling district collapsed on Monday following days of continuous heavy rainfall that triggered widespread landslides across the region. The incident has disrupted local transport and communication, affecting hundreds of residents who rely on the route for daily travel between Mirik, Sukhiapokhri, and Siliguri.
According to district officials, the bridge structure, weakened by persistent downpours, gave way early in the morning when a section of the approach road was washed away by floodwaters. Heavy rain over the past few days had already loosened soil on the surrounding slopes, causing multiple landslides that further destabilized the bridge’s foundation. Fortunately, no loss of life or injuries have been reported so far.
Local authorities immediately restricted access to the affected area, deploying police personnel and disaster management teams to prevent accidents. The area has been cordoned off while engineers from the Public Works Department and local administration assess the damage and begin initial recovery operations.
The collapse has severely affected transportation between Mirik and nearby areas, including Gopaldhara, Soureni, and Sukhiapokhri. Many vehicles have been rerouted through longer and narrower mountain roads, causing significant travel delays. Residents in remote villages have expressed concern over the disruption, saying that the bridge was an essential link for supplies, school commutes, and healthcare access.
Officials from the Darjeeling district administration said repair and restoration work will begin as soon as the weather stabilizes. The region has been experiencing continuous rainfall for several days due to the influence of a strong monsoon system. Meteorological reports predict that heavy to very heavy rain may continue in the Darjeeling hills over the next 48 hours, raising the risk of more landslides and flash floods.
Disaster management officials have been placed on high alert. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local administration have been deployed to monitor vulnerable zones. In several areas of Mirik and Kurseong, soil erosion and falling boulders have made travel risky. Road-clearing operations are underway to restore connectivity to cut-off regions.
The collapse has also impacted tourism in Mirik, a popular hill destination known for its lake and tea gardens. Local businesses have reported fewer visitors, as bad weather and road blockages have disrupted travel. Hoteliers said bookings were cancelled due to safety concerns and uncertain road conditions.
District authorities have urged residents to stay indoors during heavy rainfall and avoid hilly or landslide-prone routes. People living near riverbanks have been advised to move to safer areas if water levels continue to rise.
While the immediate priority is to ensure public safety and restore road access, officials said a detailed structural assessment will be carried out to identify other bridges and infrastructure that may have been weakened by continuous rain. The government has assured that funds will be allocated for emergency repairs and long-term measures to strengthen the region’s infrastructure against future natural calamities.
