Heavy Vehicles Barred from Manglaur Bridge on NH-305 Until Further Orders

KULLU, Aug. 6: The Kullu district administration has prohibited the movement of heavy vehicles over the Manglaur Bridge on National Highway-305 in Banjar subdivision with immediate effect, citing public safety concerns following damage to the structure.

District Magistrate Kullu issued the order after receiving a report from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Banjar, stating that falling rocks and boulders had damaged the bridge and affected strengthening work on its abutment. The restriction will remain in force until repair and reinforcement work is completed or further orders are issued.

The order, issued under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, exempts ambulances, fire services, police vehicles and other emergency service vehicles, which will be allowed to use the bridge subject to safety protocols.

The Executive Engineer of the National Highways Division, Rampur, has been directed to install warning signs, diversion boards, barricades and other traffic management measures to inform commuters about the restrictions.

The Superintendent of Police, Kullu, has been instructed to deploy adequate personnel to regulate traffic and ensure compliance with the order, while the SDM Banjar and the Executive Engineer have been asked to regularly monitor the bridge’s repair and strengthening work and ensure all necessary safety measures are in place.

The district administration has appealed to motorists and the public to cooperate with the restrictions and follow traffic advisories in the interest of public safety.