Shimla, July 4
Traffic on the Manali-Darcha- Sarchu- Lah highway came to a halt Tuesday night when a speeding oil tanker from Leh damaged the Bailey Bridge near Sarchu. The incident, occurring around 9:00 PM, prompted the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to stop vehicle movement for safety.
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Major Ravi Shankar, Commanding Officer of the 70 RCC, led a team of BRO technicians dispatched to Sarchu the following morning. Despite swift action, vehicles queued on both sides of the bridge. Superintendent of Police Lahaul-Spiti, Mayank Chaudhary, confirmed the traffic stoppage and emphasized the priority of repairs.
By 4:00 PM Wednesday, the BRO had successfully repaired the bridge, restoring vehicular flow. Traffic via the Zhanskar route remained unaffected, providing an alternative for some travelers.
This incident underscores the fragility of critical infrastructure and the BRO’s rapid response in maintaining connectivity in remote regions. Despite the 19-hour delay, the swift repair ensured minimal disruption.
