🚧⚠️ Heavy Vehicles Banned On Salmey Bridge In Udhampur Over Structural Safety Concerns
UDHAMPUR, May 22, 2026 : The District Administration Udhampur has imposed a strict ban on the movement of heavy vehicles, including trucks, dumpers and tippers, over the Salmey Bridge/Aqueduct citing serious concerns over the structure’s safety and integrity.
According to an official order issued by Additional District Magistrate Udhampur, Dr. Umesh Shan, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the restriction was enforced following reports submitted by the Executive Engineer of the Civil Maintenance Division, PDC Udhampur.
Officials stated that despite the bridge being declared unsafe for heavy loads, overloaded dumpers and other heavy vehicles continued to ply over the structure, raising fears of further deterioration and possible risk to public safety.
Authorities warned that unchecked movement of such vehicles could severely damage the bridge and pose an imminent threat to human life and public property.
The order also noted that restrictions on heavy vehicle movement had earlier been imposed in 2022, while complete vehicular movement over the bridge was temporarily suspended between January 26 and January 28, 2024, due to safety-related concerns.
To ensure effective implementation of the order, the administration has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police Udhampur, SSP Traffic National Highway Ramban, Assistant Regional Transport Officer Udhampur, District Mineral Officer and concerned magistrates to strictly enforce the ban.
Officials confirmed that the restriction has come into effect immediately and will remain applicable until further orders are issued.
The administration has urged transporters and drivers to cooperate with authorities and use alternative routes to avoid inconvenience and ensure public safety.
