A critical bridge washed away on the Yamunotri National Highway at Ojri point, disrupting access to the revered pilgrimage site in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. The incident occurred on July 7, 2025, following heavy monsoon rains that triggered flash floods and landslides, causing the national highway to be cut off at multiple locations. Authorities have begun urgent repairs and issued landslide alerts across affected districts.
Heavy Rains Cause Bridge Washed Away At Ojri
On Monday morning, torrential rainfall led to powerful water flows that undermined the structure at Ojri. The bridge was completely washed away, halting all vehicular movement toward Yamunotri.
According to the Uttarkashi Police, the highway faced blockages at two critical zones—Silai Band and Ojri—with debris affecting surrounding stretches as well .
The prompt breakdown:
- Bridge washed away at Ojri site
- Landslides reported at Silai Band and Brahmkhal–Mahargaon stretches
- Highway remains closed pending repair work
Restoration Begins After Bridge Washed Away
Following the news that the bridge washed away, the Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey . He directed teams to erect a Bailey bridge at Ojri to reinstate connectivity quickly.
District officials confirmed that materials have been transported, and restoration work is underway . Road clearing on the debris-blocked stretches continues round the clock under the supervision of local authorities.
Landslide Alerts Amplify Risks After Bridge Washed Away
The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) has issued landslide warnings for Uttarkashi, Tehri, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli districts . Areas such as Ukhimath, Ghansali, Chinyalisaur, and others remain on high alert for slope failures between July 7–8.
With the bridge washed away and roadways vulnerable, authorities have urged residents and pilgrims to remain cautious.
Pilgrims Stranded After Bridge Washed Away
Pilgrims en route to Yamunotri experienced severe inconvenience as the bridge washed away blocked the main highway. The Char Dham Yatra was temporarily suspended, and vehicles rerouted .
Local police have advised pilgrims to stay at safe locations until restoration is complete, while monitoring officials maintain alternate access routes.
Past Cloudburst Adds to Bridge Washout Context
This rain-triggered disaster follows another grave incident: a cloudburst in late June near Silai Bend led to landslides along the Yamunotri highway. Two labourers died, and seven workers remained missing .
That event also washed away road sections and the bridge near Ojri, emphasizing the region’s chronic vulnerability.
Ongoing Road Clearance After Bridge Washout
After confirming the bridge washed away, road reopening efforts have progressed fast. Debris-clearing is happening near Nandprayag, Umatta, and Badrinath highways as part of a larger monsoon cleanup.
While Badrinath routes have resumed, Yamunotri still awaits full reopening.
Government Response After Bridge Washed Away
- CM Dhami’s aerial survey identified weak spots at Silai Band and Ojri
- A Bailey bridge is being set up; debris removal is underway
- SEOC landslide alerts remain active during peak rain
These measures reflect a war-footing response to the Yamunotri route disaster.
Timeline Of Events Around Bridge Washout
| Date | Event |
| Jun 29 | Cloudburst kills 2, infrastructure damaged |
| Jun 30 | Highway blocked at multiple points |
| Jul 6 | Aerial survey conducted; Bailey bridge work begins |
| Jul 7 | Bridge washed away at Ojri amid heavy rain |
| Jul 7–8 | SEOC issues landslide alert |
Community And Pilgrim Safety Measures
With the bridge washed away, authorities urge:
- Local residents to avoid vulnerable zones
- Pilgrims to stay in designated safe accommodations
- Vegetation cover restoration, including sapling drives near highways
Search and rescue teams remain on standby along the Yamuna river, amid heightened water levels .
What’s Ahead After Bridge Washed Away
- Bailey bridge expected operational within 72 hours
- Road clearance likely to finish in 5–7 days
- Highway to reopen in phases following structural checks
The bridge washed away incident emphasizes the need for long-term resilience measures, strengthened slope stabilization, and improved early-warning systems.
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