KOLKATA: The Indian Army has constructed a 34-metre-long footbridge over the Balason River in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district, restoring connectivity between Siliguri and Mirik after heavy rains damaged a temporary bridge at Dudhia.
According to a defence statement issued on Wednesday, the footbridge was built following a request from the district administration to re-establish a crucial transport link connecting Siliguri with Mirik and providing access to key border crossing points, including Pashupati Phatak.
The temporary hume pipe bridge over the swollen Balason River was damaged on June 19 due to incessant rainfall. The structure had been serving as an alternative route since the collapse of the Dudhia iron bridge in October 2025.
The newly constructed footbridge is expected to ease movement for local residents and help restore access to important transit and border areas in the region.
