INDIA

News Article: Portion of Falaknuma Bridge Caves In Amid Heavy Rains in Hyderabad

TDN

Hyderabad: A section of the Falaknuma road over bridge (RoB) collapsed on Monday, triggering concerns and panic among local commuters as heavy rains pounded the city. The incident took place after a recent drilling operation was conducted on the bridge to facilitate the construction of a parallel structure.

According to the traffic police, the collapse occurred above the railway tracks, raising alarms about the structural integrity of the bridge. In response to the incident, authorities immediately diverted vehicular traffic, blocking access to the bridge for vehicles traveling from Chandrayangutta toward Charminar.

As a precautionary measure, police erected barricades, while officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) conducted on-site inspections to assess the damage and ensure public safety. The heavy rains that led to this situation were part of a broader weather pattern affecting Hyderabad, which recorded significant rainfall in recent days. On Sunday, the city experienced its highest rainfall in Saidabad, measuring 47.8 mm, while the Warangal district saw an even more drastic 124 mm.

Meteorological reports indicate that Telangana has already received an average of 923.3 mm of rainfall during this southwest monsoon, exceeding the normal rate of 708.8 mm by 30 percent. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has further warned residents to prepare for continued heavy rainfall over the next three days, suggesting that total precipitation may rise significantly in the coming days.

As Hyderabad grapples with the impact of the heavy rains, this incident at the Falaknuma bridge serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by urban infrastructure during extreme weather events. Local authorities are urging residents to exercise caution and stay informed about weather updates.