The Banai bridge, located near Pelol village on the Khunti-Simdega main road, has suffered a critical failure. The structure’s collapse has completely blocked traffic on this important transport artery. This bridge provides a crucial connection between Ranchi and Khunti, Simdega, and onward to areas such as Odisha and Chhattisgarh. It is also the primary route for those traveling to Baba Amreshwar Dham. Local accounts suggest that the bridge had been in a weakened state for some time, but continued to bear heavy vehicle traffic. The collapse happened on Thursday morning, after persistent heavy rains. A truck was caught in the collapse, though fortunately, no serious injuries were reported. Traffic is now entirely disrupted, with alternative routes being utilized to manage the flow of vehicles. Community members report that the bridge was built around ten to twelve years ago. They allege that poor construction contributed to the collapse, despite the project’s high cost. They indicate that the current situation stems from a lack of prompt repair work. This route is heavily used daily by a large number of vehicles travelling to and from Khunti, Simdega, and the surrounding villages. Travelers are now facing considerable difficulty due to the need to use alternate paths. The bridge forms a critical link from Ranchi to Khunti, Simdega and also to Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and other states.
