Jalpaiguri, May 15 -- A serious safety hazard has emerged on Teesta Bridge No. 1 along National Highway 27 between Jalpaiguri and Mainaguri after iron expansion joint plates on the bridge started coming loose, raising fears of a major accident at any moment. Local residents expressed concern that fast-moving bikes and scooties are particularly vulnerable while crossing the damaged portion of the bridge.

The matter has already been brought to the attention of the district administration. Jalpaiguri Sadar Sub-Divisional Officer Moin Ahmed has informed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and sought urgent repairs.

The highway serves as a vital corridor connecting North Bengal with the North-Eastern states through Paharpur, Assammore, Goshala More, and Mainaguri. The first bridge over the Teesta River was constructed by the Public Works Department when the route functioned as a state highway.

After the expansion of the road into a four-lane national highway, the bridge and roadway came under the jurisdiction of the NHAI, which later built a second bridge over the river. According to residents, thick iron sheets used at the bridge joints have started lifting from the concrete surface after developing cracks. Despite the danger, vehicles continue to speed across the bridge. Residents said the damaged plates produce loud metallic sounds whenever vehicle wheels pass over them, though most commuters fail to realise the seriousness of the situation.

Local resident Anand Barman said: "We informed the police after noticing the iron sheets gradually opening up. Bikes and scooties could easily get trapped in the gaps, leading to a major accident."

Shopkeeper Ramlal Mishra warned that motorists speeding across the bridge remain unaware of the hidden danger and immediate repairs are necessary to prevent a mishap.

Confirming the issue, NHAI North Bengal Project Director Shailendra Prabhu said authorities have already issued instructions to repair the damaged iron sheets within the next one or two days.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.