A bridge collapsed during roadwork on Sonauli-Gorakhpur National Highway near Mohanapur Dhala, Uttar Pradesh, trapping workers. Rescue operations were swift, and investigations are underway Sonauli/Gorakhpur, April 30, 2025 A section of a key bridge on the Sonauli-Gorakhpur Highway collapsed early Tuesday morning.
Severely disrupting traffic and trade on the crucial route that connects India to Nepal through the busy Sonauli border. The incident occurred near Nichlaul in the when Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh and has raised serious concerns over the infrastructure safety in the region The collapse took place at around 7:00 AM.
Central span of the aging bridge gave way suddenly, creating a deep chasm across the highway. While the timing of the incident spared any immediate fatalities, several vehicles had to brake abruptly, and a few sustained damage. Eyewitnesses reported that a goods truck narrowly avoided plunging into the collapsed portion I was just.
100 meters away when I saw the bridge shake and then fall. It was terrifying,” said Ram Kishan Yadav, a local commuter and witness. “Had it been an hour later, during the peak traffic, it could have been catastrophic The Sonauli-Gorakhpur corridor is not just a local arterial road but an international trade route. It carries a high volume.
Of cargo traffic between India and Nepal, making the disruption particularly impactful. The sudden collapse has halted traffic movement in both directions, stranding hundreds of vehicles, including freight trucks, passenger buses, and private cars Emergency services, including police and disaster response teams.
Arrived quickly at the site. The area was immediately cordoned off, and traffic was diverted to longer, less efficient alternative routes via Pharenda and Nautanwa. Engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) began assessment work to determine the cause collapse.
Initial observations suggest structural fatigue, poor maintenance, and lack of timely repairs may have contributed to the bridge’s failure. Reports from local residents and the best course for reconstruction also indicate that visible cracks and sagging in the structure had been noticed over the past few months but went unaddressed.
District Magistrate Dr. Ujjwal Kumar visited the site and assured swift action. “A high-level technical team has been deployed to investigate the cause. We will also launch a structural audit of similar bridges in the district. Restoring traffic and ensuring and the best course for reconstruction safety are our top priorities bridge restore stated.
In the short term, authorities are considering constructing a Bailey bridge to restore partial connectivity for light vehicles. However, full restoration of the route could take several weeks, if not months The economic implications of the collapse are already being felt. With trade between India and Nepal heavily dependent on this route.
Transporters are facing delays, fuel losses, and increased operational costs. Business associations from both sides of the border have urged the government to expedite repair work and provide a permanent solution This incident highlights the urgent need for infrastructure audits and regular maintenance of key trade routes.
We cannot afford such breakdowns, especially in high-density corridors,” said Dinesh Tripathi, a logistics operator based in Gorakhpur The bridge collapse has ignited public outcry, with citizens and experts alike calling for accountability and long-term investment in resilient infrastructure. Until the route is restored, commuters.
A bridge on the Sonauli-Gorakhpur Highway collapsed early Tuesday, halting traffic and disrupting Indo-Nepal trade. No casualties reported; authorities investigating structural failure and planning urgent repairs traders will have to bear the brunt of longer journeys, disrupted schedules, and higher costs.
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