The temporary diversion route across the Parvati River connecting Bhopal and Rajgarh districts has been closed to traffic after rising water levels submerged the crossing following continuous rainfall. The restriction came into effect late Monday night after the local administration declared the route unsafe for commuters.

Berasia Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ashutosh Sharma issued the order, citing a sharp increase in the river's water level that has inundated the temporary alternative road constructed in the middle of the river on the Berasia–Narsinghgarh route.

According to the administration, the strong water current has made movement across the diversion highly dangerous, prompting authorities to suspend all vehicular and pedestrian traffic until further orders.

Safety Measures Ordered

The SDM has directed concerned departments to immediately install barricades, warning boards and safety signages around the restricted area to prevent people from attempting to cross the flooded route.

Officials have also been instructed to ensure continuous monitoring of the site as long as the restriction remains in force.

Departments Asked to Maintain Vigil

To enforce the order, responsibilities have been assigned to the Tehsildar, Naib Tehsildar, Janpad Panchayat officials, the Public Works Department (PWD) and the local police.

The administration has asked officials to maintain round-the-clock surveillance and deploy security personnel wherever required. Citizens will also be guided towards safer alternative routes to avoid any untoward incident during the ongoing monsoon.

Authorities have warned that anyone violating the restriction will face legal action under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, along with other applicable laws.

Diversion Was Created After Bridge Damage

The temporary route has been serving as an alternative since the 49-year-old Parvati River bridge on the Berasia–Narsinghgarh road developed structural damage earlier this year.

The bridge, originally built in 1976, reportedly sank at one location on January 17, 2025, forcing the administration to prohibit traffic over it. Subsequently, water from the nearby stop dam was released and a temporary diversion route was constructed to restore connectivity.

Until the recent spell of heavy rainfall, buses, trucks, cars and two-wheelers had been using the diversion. However, the rising river level has now rendered it unsafe.

Repeated Incidents Raised Safety Concerns

The temporary crossing has witnessed several accidents over the past year. During the previous monsoon season, a passenger bus tilted while attempting to cross the flooded diversion. In another incident, a tractor-trolley fell into the stop dam after slipping off the temporary road. Although all four occupants escaped safely, the incidents highlighted the risks associated with the route during heavy rainfall.

Officials said the latest closure has been ordered to prevent similar accidents as the Parvati River continues to swell.

Vital Link Between Several Districts

The Parvati River bridge, located near Meghra Navin village in Bhopal district and connecting to Baraytha village in Rajgarh district, is an important transport corridor linking Bhopal with Rajgarh, Guna, Vidisha, Shivpuri, Ashoknagar, Agar Malwa, Shajapur, Indore and Ujjain.

The route also provides connectivity to the Agra–Mumbai National Highway, making it one of the region's key transport links.

Before the bridge developed structural issues, an estimated 1.5 to 2 lakh commuters used the route daily. Since the bridge was closed and traffic shifted to the temporary diversion, daily movement has reduced significantly to around 8,000–10,000 commuters.

Authorities have advised travellers to avoid the flooded stretch and follow designated alternative routes until water levels recede and the administration lifts the restriction.