Indian Army builds emergency footbridge over Balason River after flood damage

A temporary lifeline has returned to residents in northern West Bengal after the Indian Army constructed a 34-metre footbridge over the Balason River in the Darjeeling district.

The emergency pedestrian bridge was built after heavy rainfall damaged the hume pipe temporary bridge on June 19, cutting off a crucial route connecting Siliguri and Mirik. The disruption affected tourism, local businesses, transport and daily life across nearby hill regions.

The crisis, however, began months earlier. In October 2025, the main iron bridge across the Balason River at Dudhia collapsed, leaving residents dependent on temporary arrangements.

People living in Mirik, Sukhiapokhri, tea garden areas and nearby border routes have faced repeated travel challenges and rising transportation costs.

Local resident Deepak Pradhan said the collapse severely affected movement and increased the burden on ordinary people, with longer travel routes and higher expenses for goods and transport.

With the temporary crossing also damaged, residents had to rely on expensive detours through difficult hilly terrain.

The Indian Army has now stepped in with the footbridge for immediate relief and is working on a wider Bailey bridge that will restore vehicular movement and support tourism – a major source of livelihood in the region.