Urgent Safety Concerns Raised Over Wanoi Bridge on Pathankot–Mandi Highway

Safety Issues on Wanoi Bridge

Rajkumar Chaudhary

Gaggal (Kangra): Significant safety hazards have been identified on the Wanoi Bridge located on the Pathankot–Mandi National Highway, where the railings have entirely collapsed, posing a serious risk to commuters.

Every day, a multitude of vehicles, including buses, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians, traverse this bridge. Local inhabitants have reported that the railings have deteriorated at multiple locations, with some areas completely devoid of barriers. The rainy season exacerbates the situation, as slippery surfaces heighten the likelihood of accidents for two-wheeler riders and pedestrians, particularly affecting schoolchildren, women, and the elderly.

The danger escalates at night due to a lack of street lighting, rendering the bridge even more perilous. Residents have expressed frustration that their repeated appeals to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have gone unaddressed, leading to growing public discontent.

Community members are calling on the NHAI and local authorities to swiftly restore the railings and enforce robust safety measures to prevent potential tragedies. They emphasize that proactive measures are essential to avert a serious incident on this heavily trafficked highway.