Dehradun: Arunoday Times
Uttarakhand Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satpal Maharaj conducted a surprise inspection of the rain-damaged stretch near Pani Wala Bend at Kolhukhet on the Dehradun–Mussoorie Road, along with the under-construction double-lane bridge. He instructed officials to complete both the road restoration and bridge construction within the stipulated timeline to ensure smooth traffic movement.
The Minister said that on the night of 20 July 2026, heavy rainfall damaged nearly 20 metres of the road near Pani Wala Bend, reducing its width to just 2.5 metres. The department immediately deployed JCB machines to begin restoration work, while talks are underway for additional hill cutting to restore safe and uninterrupted traffic.
Satpal Maharaj also informed that Uttarakhand’s slope treatment expert agency, ULLMC, has inspected vulnerable locations at kilometre 20 and kilometre 25 of the road, and protective works will begin shortly to prevent further damage.
During the inspection, the Minister reviewed the construction of a ₹12 crore, 60-metre span, double-lane Class A/70R steel box bridge, which is replacing the damaged single-lane bridge on the Dehradun–Mussoorie State Highway. He said the bridge fabrication work has been completed, while ground erection and piling work are progressing rapidly, with the project targeted for completion by 30 July 2026.
Senior PWD officials, including Chief Engineer Rajesh Sharma, Superintending Engineer O.P. Singh, and Executive Engineer Rajesh Kumar, were present during the inspection.
