A key bridge over the Lohit river in Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district has collapsed, disrupting road connectivity to several remote villages, including Kaho, located close to the India-China border, officials said on Tuesday.
The KKG-BSB bridge at Krowti in Kibithoo circle is an important link for residents of Musai, Kaho and Dong villages. Its damage has left Kaho, one of India’s easternmost inhabited border villages, effectively cut off from the road network, according to local reports.
Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul, who represents the Hayuliang Assembly constituency, said vehicular movement over the bridge has been restricted temporarily as a precautionary measure.
According to Pul, the bridge was damaged after overloaded vehicles repeatedly crossed it despite the permissible load limit being clearly displayed.
Describing the bridge as a vital lifeline for people living in the remote region, the minister said protecting such critical infrastructure must be a shared responsibility.
She urged vehicle owners, drivers, commuters and local residents to strictly follow the prescribed weight restrictions. Ignoring the limits, she warned, could put lives at risk and cause further damage to infrastructure on which entire communities rely.
Pul said the concerned authorities have been instructed to inspect the damaged structure and begin repair and restoration work as soon as possible.
Officials advised residents to remain cautious until the bridge is certified safe, follow traffic-related instructions and take alternative routes wherever they are available.
