The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across several parts of Chhattisgarh on Monday, along with the possibility of heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places. Similar weather conditions are expected to continue over the next two days, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain cautious.

Meanwhile, continuous rainfall has caused significant disruption in Bilaspur district after a bridge on the Bilaspur–Ratanpur–Pendra road collapsed, temporarily affecting connectivity to several districts and neighbouring Madhya Pradesh.

Rainfall to Continue Across State

According to the Meteorological Department, most parts of Chhattisgarh are likely to witness intermittent rain during the next 48 hours. Heavy showers accompanied by thunder and lightning may occur at isolated locations.

Several areas recorded light to moderate rainfall during the past 24 hours, contributing to the ongoing monsoon activity across the state.

Monsoon Deficit Remains Within Normal Range

Despite uneven rainfall in some districts, Chhattisgarh has received only 5 per cent less rainfall than normal between June 1 and August 3, which the weather department has classified as being within the normal range.

Officials said the current monsoon pattern continues to support agricultural activities, although heavy spells in some regions have led to localised flooding and infrastructure damage.

Bridge Collapse Disrupts Key Road Link

Persistent rainfall damaged the Bansajhal bridge on the Bilaspur–Ratanpur–Pendra route after a portion of the structure collapsed.

A passenger bus travelling across the bridge became stranded midway during the incident. Authorities confirmed that all passengers were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.

The bridge collapse has disrupted direct road connectivity between Bilaspur, Pendra, Gaurela, Amarkantak, Manendragarh, and parts of Jabalpur and Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh, forcing commuters to seek alternate routes.

Flood Situation Monitored

The continuing monsoon has also affected several low-lying areas across the state.

Earlier, BSF camps in Narayanpur were inundated due to floodwaters, forcing security personnel to move onto rooftops before they were safely rescued. Rising water levels have also been reported near the Kunavaram bridge, where water continues to flow over the structure near the confluence of the Sabari and Godavari rivers.

Authorities are monitoring vulnerable areas and have advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads and bridges.

Raipur Forecast and Temperature

The weather department has predicted a cloudy sky with spells of rain and thunderstorms for Raipur on Monday.

The state capital is expected to record a maximum temperature of around 34°C and a minimum of approximately 26°C.

Across Chhattisgarh, Rajnandgaon recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 34°C, while Pendra Roadremained the coolest location with a minimum temperature of 22.4°C.

Officials have urged people to remain alert during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter under trees or near electric poles during lightning activity.

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.