A bridge constructed around six months ago on Peshawar’s Northern Bypass near Nasir Bagh has reportedly been washed away following heavy monsoon rainfall and flooding.
The bridge, along with a section of the connecting road, was damaged after protective embankments were unable to withstand the force of rising floodwater. The route is used regularly by thousands of commuters, workers and local residents, making the damage a significant disruption to daily travel.
Local residents have expressed concern over the condition of the infrastructure and the time taken to begin rehabilitation. According to locals, nearly three months have passed since the bridge was damaged, but reconstruction work has yet to begin.
Residents are now calling for the damaged crossing to be restored as soon as possible. They have also demanded that reconstruction be carried out using durable and high-quality materials to prevent similar damage in the future.
The incident has raised questions about the structural quality of the recently constructed bridge and whether adequate measures were taken to protect it against flooding. Locals are also seeking an investigation into the construction and the reasons behind the failure of the protective embankments.
The Northern Bypass is an important route for residents travelling between different parts of Peshawar and surrounding areas. Continued disruption could increase travel times and create additional difficulties for people who rely on the road for work, education and other daily activities.
Authorities have been urged to prioritise reconstruction and restore the route while also examining the quality and safety of the existing infrastructure.
The incident highlights the need for stronger flood protection and proper construction standards, particularly for infrastructure located in areas vulnerable to heavy monsoon rainfall and rising water levels.
