Stability check of new Kali river bridge ordered after old structure collapses

Authorities in neighboring Karnataka have ordered the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to inspect the stability of the new Kali river bridge after the collapse of the old bridge on the water body. The old bridge collapsed at around 1:30 am on Wednesday, causing heavy traffic on national highway no. 66 connecting Goa to Karnataka.

A truck crossing the bridge at the time fell into the river, but the driver was later rescued by local fishermen. The old bridge, which was used for Goa-bound traffic after the construction of a new one a decade back, gave way early Wednesday morning. Uttar Kannada District Magistrate Lakshmi Priya K has instructed NHAI officials to verify and report the stability of the new Kali river bridge connecting Karwar and Sadashivgad by noontime on Wednesday.

Traffic on the new bridge was temporarily halted following the incident, but later vehicles, except heavy ones, were allowed to pass through. Karnataka authorities were conducting checks on the stability of the new bridge after the collapse of the old bridge, leading to restricted traffic movement. The Goa police were coordinating with their counterparts in Karwar to monitor the situation on the highway.