The Bailey Bridge over the Balason River at Dudhia on the Siliguri–Mirik route is expected to close for 12 hours on September 15 for Army-led maintenance, disrupting traffic between Siliguri, Mirik and nearby hill areas in West Bengal. Light vehicles will be diverted through Ghum and Darjeeling if the closure goes ahead.
The proposed shutdown follows damage to the temporary bridge after incessant rain caused the Balason’s water level to rise sharply. A portion of the structure was washed away on Friday, adding pressure to an already vulnerable link on the Siliguri–Mirik route.
The Dudhia crossing is the only crucial structure currently connecting Siliguri with Mirik and surrounding areas for light-vehicle traffic. Dudhia lies about 26 km from Siliguri on State Highway 12, while the road distance between Siliguri and Mirik through Dudhia is approximately 48 km.
The Army has recommended monthly maintenance for the Bailey Bridge and has sought early confirmation of the final closure date. The bridge has been used for civilian traffic since July, after it was installed to restore connectivity along the route.
During the proposed closure, vehicles will have to use the longer alternative route through Ghum and Darjeeling. The diversion is expected to affect residents, local businesses and travellers using the Siliguri–Mirik corridor, although the reported traffic restriction is limited to the maintenance period.
The temporary Bailey Bridge was installed after the earlier iron bridge at Dudhia was washed away on October 4, 2025, when heavy rain in the Hills caused the Balason River to rise sharply. The 1965-built bridge had already become structurally weak before it was destroyed.
The state government has sanctioned about Rs 53 crore for a permanent concrete bridge at Dudhia. Construction of that bridge is under way, with completion expected by March 2027. Until then, the Bailey Bridge remains the operational link for light vehicles between the plains and Mirik, making regular maintenance and weather-related damage important factors for traffic management on the route.
The immediate next step is confirmation of the final closure schedule for September 15 and implementation of the diversion through Ghum and Darjeeling during the maintenance window.
