Bridge collapse disrupts traffic in Bhadradri Kothagudem; MLA inspects site

Vehicular movement on the Mulakalapalli–Dammapeta main road in Bhadradri Kothagudem district remained disrupted on Thursday after a portion of a bridge across a local stream at Rajupeta village in Mulakalapalli mandal collapsed on Wednesday night.

According to sources, a section of the bridge pier caved in amid heavy rain. The stream had swelled following heavy rainfall in its upper reaches over the past 48 hours. No one was injured in the incident, and traffic was diverted through alternative routes, officials said.

The bridge is an important link for people in Mulakalapalli mandal and nearby areas. Its partial collapse has forced commuters, including students, farmers and daily wage workers, to take longer routes. Local authorities have not yet said how long the diversion will remain in place.

Aswaraopeta MLA Jare Adinarayana inspected the damaged bridge on Thursday. He directed officials to take safety measures and install barricades to prevent accidents. He said a new bridge would be constructed across the stream at a cost of ₹5 crore at the earliest.

Officials are assessing the damage and monitoring water levels in the stream. They have advised people to avoid the damaged structure and use the designated alternative routes. The district administration is expected to issue a detailed statement after completion of the inspection.

Meanwhile, 13 spillway gates of the Taliperu medium irrigation project in Charla mandal were lifted on Thursday evening to release surplus water downstream. The release is part of efforts to manage excess inflows after heavy rain in the catchment areas.

The Taliperu project is a medium irrigation project. Lifting spillway gates is a standard measure when inflows exceed storage capacity, to prevent damage to the dam and release excess water safely. People in downstream areas are usually advised to remain alert, though no specific advisory was mentioned in the initial reports.

Several parts of Bhadradri Kothagudem district received intermittent heavy showers. Aswaraopeta and other mandals bordering Andhra Pradesh recorded moderate to heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, according to official observations.

Bhadradri Kothagudem district, in eastern Telangana, receives significant rainfall during the monsoon. Streams and rivulets that remain dry for much of the year can swell rapidly, affecting roads and bridges. Such incidents underline the importance of regular inspection and maintenance of infrastructure, especially in rural areas.

Local residents said they hoped the proposed new bridge would be built without delay. Officials, however, did not give a timeline for the construction. They said the immediate priority was to keep people safe and ensure that traffic moved smoothly on alternative routes.

The Mulakalapalli–Dammapeta road is used by residents of several villages. With the bridge partially damaged, traffic is being routed through other roads, which may be longer and less familiar to some commuters. Local authorities have asked people to plan their journeys accordingly.

Traffic on the Mulakalapalli–Dammapeta route is being redirected through alternative roads. Commuters have been asked to cooperate with the diversions and follow local advisories. Further updates are awaited from the district administration.

No casualties have been reported so far. Authorities have urged people not to gather near the damaged bridge and to report any emergency to local officials.