50-Year-Old Gandak Bridge Damaged During 210-Tonne Shivling Transit, NH-27 Travel Hit

Last Updated:February 11, 2026, 15:55 IST

The bridge lies on National Highway-27, a critical route linking Silchar to Guwahati and serving as an important corridor for traffic movement across regions

The Dumaria Ghat bridge over the Gandak river in Bihar’s Gopalganj district has come under serious structural concern after a key spring (bearing) reportedly broke while a 210-tonne Shivling was transported across it, officials said. The technical fault has disrupted the bridge’s natural vibration system, a crucial factor for maintaining the strength and flexibility of large structures.

The massive Shivling, said to be the world’s largest, was being taken to the Virat Ramayan Temple in Kesariya (Kalyanpur) in East Champaran when the incident occurred. According to initial findings, the 1974-built Dumaria bridge has a load capacity of about 110 tonnes, but the weight carried across it was nearly double that limit, leading to the damage.

Following a preliminary inspection, engineers alerted the district administration that the bridge’s condition is now a matter of concern. In response, Gopalganj District Magistrate Pawan Kumar Sinha has sought an immediate detailed report from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which has already begun preparing alternative arrangements.

The bridge lies on National Highway-27, a critical route linking Silchar to Guwahati and serving as an important corridor for traffic movement across regions. Due to its strategic importance, the route witnesses heavy vehicular movement, adding to the urgency of the situation.

Officials said the absence of natural vibration is a serious technical issue, as it increases the risk of structural stress when fast-moving vehicles pass over the bridge. Heavy vehicles are currently being monitored with extra caution, while work on a new parallel bridge has been expedited to prevent any potential mishap.

Authorities warned that if timely repairs are not undertaken or an alternative route is not arranged, disruption to this key road network could impact connectivity towards the Northeast.

News india 50-Year-Old Gandak Bridge Damaged During 210-Tonne Shivling Transit, NH-27 Travel Hit

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