A major accident was averted in Chhattisgarh after a bridge on the Bilaspur–Ratanpur–Pendra Roadcollapsed while a passenger bus was crossing it. The front portion of the bus got stranded on the broken slab, preventing it from plunging into the river. All passengers were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.

The incident occurred around 5 pm on Sunday at Bansajhal Bridge, a nearly 35-year-old structure located on the under-construction National Highway-45 corridor connecting Bilaspur with Jabalpur.

Bus Stuck on Broken Bridge

According to officials, the bridge split into two sections as the bus was passing over it. The vehicle's front wheels became trapped at the edge of the collapsed slab, while the rear portion remained on the intact section of the bridge.

Passengers were immediately brought out safely before authorities sealed off the route.

Road Connectivity Severed

The collapse has completely disrupted traffic between Bilaspur, Pendra, Gaurela, Amarkantak and Manendragarh, while also cutting off a key road link to Jabalpur and Shahdol in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh.

The Bilaspur–Ratanpur highway has been closed for traffic, and the administration has diverted vehicles through alternate routes until further notice.

Bridge Part of ₹510-Crore Highway Project

The damaged bridge is located on the 97-km Ratanpur–Pendra road stretch, which is being developed under the National Highway-45 project at an estimated cost of ₹510 crore.

The project remains under construction, but concerns had already been raised over the condition of the newly built road. Several stretches reportedly developed cracks and subsidence following the first spell of monsoon rains.

Questions Over Construction Quality

Residents and commuters have alleged that portions of the highway have developed long surface cracks, sinking patches and damaged shoulders, despite construction still being underway.

The bridge collapse has renewed concerns over the quality of construction and the durability of infrastructure built under the project.

Authorities are expected to examine whether the recent heavy rainfall alone caused the collapse or if construction deficiencies also contributed to the incident.

Traffic Diverted, Probe Underway

Police and district administration officials reached the spot soon after the bridge collapsed and barricaded both ends to prevent further movement.

Passengers stranded on either side were assisted by officials, while vehicles were redirected through alternate routes.

Authorities have advised commuters to avoid the Bilaspur–Pendra route until restoration work is completed and traffic is declared safe.

An inspection of the damaged bridge and adjoining highway stretch is underway.

A major road development project is set to reshape transportation infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district, with authorities preparing to begin widening and reconstruction work on the Rewa-Dabhara road. The project, sanctioned at a cost of ₹311.62 crore, will involve land acquisition from 24 villages and is expected to significantly improve road safety and connectivity in the region.

The decision was reviewed during a meeting attended by Rewa MP Janardan Mishra, Sirmour MLA Divyaraj Singh, district officials, and the Collector. Discussions focused on the poor condition of the existing road, the rising number of accidents, and difficulties faced by daily commuters and transport operators using the route.

Officials informed the meeting that a detailed work plan has already been prepared for the Sirmour-to-Dabhara section of the road. Construction activity is expected to begin shortly following completion of procedural formalities.

Major Infrastructure Upgrade

Under the approved plan, the road will be widened to a minimum width of 18 metres, while certain stretches may extend up to 36 metres depending on terrain and engineering requirements. Authorities believe the expansion will improve traffic flow and provide safer passage for vehicles travelling between Rewa and neighbouring areas.

The project also includes improvements in the Bardaha Valley section, which has long been considered one of the most challenging stretches on the route. Public representatives stressed the need for proper drainage infrastructure, particularly in Atraila and Patehra, where waterlogging has frequently affected road conditions during the monsoon season.

Focus on Safety

One of the key objectives of the project is to reduce accidents on the highway. According to district officials, the Bardaha Valley currently contains more than ten sharp turns that often pose risks to motorists. Under the new alignment plan, the number of major turns will be reduced to three.

Dangerous curves will be straightened wherever technically feasible, improving visibility and reducing the likelihood of collisions. Authorities expect these modifications to enhance safety for passenger vehicles, buses, and freight transport operators using the route.

Land Acquisition Plan

Collector Pratibha Pal informed the meeting that a total of 27 villages fall within the project area. However, land acquisition will be required in only 24 villages, as sufficient government land is available in the remaining three villages.

Proposals for land acquisition have already been prepared. Officials stated that government-owned land will be utilised wherever possible, while private land will be acquired only when necessary for road expansion and alignment improvements.

Concerns of Local Residents

During the discussions, MLA Divyaraj Singh highlighted the need to protect the interests of local residents and business owners. Several settlements along the route, including Patehra, Atraila, Latiyar, and Panwar, have houses and commercial establishments situated close to the existing roadway.

He urged officials to ensure that construction work proceeds efficiently while balancing technical requirements with practical concerns faced by affected communities.

Two bike riders lost their lives and another was critically injured in a horrific road accident on the Shipra Bypass in Dewas on Saturday morning. The incident occurred near the Rupakhedi railway bridge when a speeding car allegedly lost control on the uneven road surface, crossed the divider, and collided with an oncoming motorcycle.

The deceased have been identified as Haider (40) and Ansar, while the injured youth, Imran, was referred to Indore for advanced treatment. All three hailed from Nayata Puwalda and were heading to Indore for work.

Accident Unfolds on Railway Bridge

According to eyewitnesses, the accident took place around 8:30 AM. The car, coming from the Indore side, reportedly became unbalanced due to the undulating road surface on the bridge. It travelled nearly 100 feet without control before smashing through the divider into the opposite lane.

The impact was severe. Locals said the force of the collision was so strong that Haider was thrown off the bridge and fell nearly 50 feet below. Both Ansar and Imran suffered grievous injuries, with reports indicating one of their legs was severed in the crash. The bike and car were extensively damaged.

Villagers Stage Protest, Block Road

Angry villagers soon gathered at the spot and blocked the busy bypass for nearly two hours. They alleged that ambulance services reached late, forcing them to shift the injured and the deceased to the district hospital using private vehicles and even a tractor-trolley.

The protest highlighted long-standing complaints about the poor condition of the road on the railway bridge. Residents claimed the surface has remained uneven for a long time, causing vehicles to lose balance frequently. Several accidents have reportedly occurred at this spot in the past.

Officials Reach Spot to Pacify Protesters

Senior officials, including SDM Abhishek Sharma, Traffic DSP, and CSP Sumit Agrawal, rushed to the location after receiving information about the jam. Later, local MLA Manoj Chaudhary also arrived and held discussions with the protesters.

The villagers demanded immediate repair of the road and action against the responsible agency. They lifted the blockade only after receiving assurances from the authorities that the technical flaws in the road would be examined and necessary action taken.

Police to Take Up Road Safety Issue

Speaking to reporters, CSP Sumit Agrawal confirmed that two persons died in the accident while one is undergoing treatment. “The villagers have raised concerns about certain technical deficiencies in the road. The matter will be placed before the concerned committee in the next meeting for appropriate action,” he said.

 Recurring Safety Concerns on Shipra Bypass

The Shipra Bypass has witnessed several accidents in recent times, with locals repeatedly flagging poor road maintenance, especially near bridges and curves. Many believe that timely repair and proper dividers could have prevented this tragedy.

The families of the deceased are in shock. The victims, who earned their livelihood by installing motors, were the sole breadwinners for their households. The incident has once again brought into focus the need for better road infrastructure and quicker emergency response in the district.

As Dewas continues to see rapid urban growth, such accidents serve as a grim reminder of the infrastructure gaps that still exist. Authorities have promised a thorough review, but residents say they have heard such assurances before and want visible improvement on the ground.

The police have registered a case and are investigating the exact cause, including the speed of the car and the road conditions at the time of the accident.