Make-shift bridge washed away in rain; was connecting Dehradun-Rishikesh highway

• Heavy rain swept away the temporary bridge built on Uttarakhand's Dehradun-Rishikesh highway. The alternative route was built after the main Ranipokhri bridge on the highway collapsed on August 27. The bridge was washed away due to increased flow of water in Jakhan river owing to heavy rains. A PWD engineer said the temporary bridge was built using pipes & stones from the riverbed. He added that the route was set up nearly 100 metres ahead of the main Ranipokhri bridge. Ranipokhri bridge, which is around 25 kms from Dehradun, was built in 1964. Following the bridge collapse, traffic between Dehradun-Rishikesh was diverted through Nepali Farm. Later, the temporary bridge was built to facilitate movement of people & small vehicles.