SRINAGAR: Rajendra Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, the company executing the Baramulla Bypass Project, has categorically denied reports of a bridge collapse at the Cherkhal underpass on June 29, 2026.
In an official statement, the company said the incident involved the collapse of a temporary shuttering and staging system during excavation and finishing work following an unforeseen soil slide.
“The company categorically, emphatically and unequivocally denies the aforesaid reportage. The incident in question pertains exclusively to the collapse of a temporary shuttering and staging system used during construction work and does not involve, in any manner whatsoever, the collapse of the bridge structure or any permanent infrastructure component of the Baramulla Bypass Project,” the statement read.
The company explained that during excavation operations at the underpass site, and specifically during the final stages of finishing work, soil in the vicinity suddenly slid and exerted external pressure on the temporary staging and formwork, leading to its collapse.
It emphasised that the situation was brought under control immediately, safety protocols were reinstated, and a detailed technical assessment is underway.
Rajendra Infra strongly criticised “unverified, speculative and sensationalised narratives” circulating on social media, including AI-generated images falsely depicting a bridge collapse. The company described such content as defamatory and warned that those responsible for spreading misinformation could face civil and criminal liability under the applicable laws.
The company urged media organisations and content creators to exercise due diligence and verify facts from official sources before publication. “Responsible journalism demands adherence to ethics and fact verification. We remain committed to transparency and will continue to provide accurate updates through official channels,” the statement added. (KNO)
