Dudhia Bridge Reopens, Resumption of Traffic Brings Relief to Commuters; Rohini Road Repair Efforts Continue

KalimNews, October 27, 2025, Dudhia, West Bengal : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has officially announced the reopening of the alternative Hume Pipe Bridge at Dudhia, restoring a critical link between Mirik and Siliguri. The newly constructed 468-meter-long bridge, which had been closed due to the collapse of the previous structure, will now allow normal traffic to resume, providing much-needed relief to local residents and commuters.

The Hume Pipe Bridge features a 72-meter-long causeway constructed with 132 Hume pipes, each 1200 mm in diameter. The bridge was completed in an astonishing 16 days, a remarkable feat considering the challenging conditions caused by heavy rainfall and widespread damage in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong Hills in early October. The construction began on October 10, 2025, after the original iron bridge, built in 1965, was deemed structurally unsafe and had to be closed.

In her statement, Mamata Banerjee expressed her satisfaction with the rapid progress, saying, "I am happy to inform that the construction of the alternative Hume Pipe Bridge at Dudhia has been successfully completed. Normal traffic will resume over it from tomorrow." She also praised the dedicated efforts of the Public Works Department (PWD), who worked tirelessly around the clock to ensure the bridge was completed quickly, restoring vital connectivity for the region.

The old bridge, which had become vulnerable over the years, prompted the government to approve a ₹54 crore project to construct a permanent replacement. While the Hume Pipe Bridge offers temporary relief, the new permanent bridge is under active construction, and Mamata assured that the work is progressing swiftly.

In addition to the bridge completion, significant efforts are underway to repair the Rohini Road, which was severely damaged by a landslide caused by the recent rains. Teja Deepak, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Kurseong, provided an update on the restoration efforts, stating, “The GTA and PWD are working around the clock with earth movers. The foundation for the new road is already laid, but it will take another 30 days to complete. Meanwhile, we have opened the Gourishankar Tea Estate village road for emergency and school vehicles. This road has been widened, and a tender for black-topping is underway.”

While repair work continues on Rohini Road, alternative routes such as Pankhabari Road and NH 110 (Hill Cart Road) via Tindharia remain open, providing vital links for travellers and commuters in the region.

The Hume Pipe Bridge at Dudhia marks a major milestone in the region’s infrastructure recovery following the natural disasters that struck the area. The swift completion of the bridge is expected to ease the burden on local residents and boost economic activity by improving transportation between Mirik and Siliguri.

Mamata Banerjee’s announcement underscores the state government’s commitment to rebuilding and enhancing infrastructure in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong Hills, with an emphasis on safety and timely relief for those most affected by recent disasters.