DERA GHAZI KHAN/RAHIM YAR KHAN: The ramp of the Sheikh Khalifa Bridge, which connects Rojhan with Rahim Yar Khan, is facing erosion due to strong flow of water in the River Indus while the authorities concerned are shifting responsibility to one another.

The bridge constructed over the Indus about 10km from the Rahim Yar Khan (Iqbalabad Interchange) on Sukkur-Multan Motorway (M-5) is facing the risk of great damage.

According to sources, the River Indus suddenly surged near the bridge at Katcha Chohan and erosion started on its western ramp. There is a strong possibility of severe damage to the ramp of the bridge that had cost billions at the time of its construction. Small channels branching off from the river are currently passing close to the ramp. Due to the sudden strong flow and erosion, the embankments supporting the ramp are continuously giving way. If timely measures are not taken, there is a serious risk of further damage to the ramp.

The river’s swift current erosion is washing away the soil beneath the bridge’s approach road. A large portion of earth near the signboard of the bridge has already caved in. According to road users, the situation has worsened due to the highway department’s failure to construct proper protective spurs and ensure adequate soil compaction on the ramp. They warn that if emergency protective measures are not taken within 24 to 48 hours, the ramp and connecting road might be washed away.

Rajanpur Deputy Commissioner Imran Ranjha says maintenance of the bridge is the responsibility of the EXEN of district Rahim Yar Khan as the bridge had originally been constructed by the department. He said the EXEN had informed his counterpart in Rahim Yar Khan to immediately address the issue of the gradual erosion of the bridge ramp. Mr Ranjha assured that the issue would be resolved as soon as possible.

However, Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) Punjab Highway Department RYK Muhammad Afzal told Dawn that actually this area of the Indus where the ramp is situated was in the jurisdiction of tehsil Rojhan of Rajanpur district. But due to the sensitivity of the matter, fast flow of the river water and the damage already done to the ramp, his department’s staff was putting sand bags to plug the erosion and save the bridge. He said that it was the responsibility of Rojhan highway staff to maintain the approach roads to the Sheikh Khalifa Bridge as well as the main bridge.

The people of Katcha Chohan have appealed to MNA Shamsher Ali Mazari, MPA Khizar Hussain Mazari, Commissioner Dera Ghazi Khan Ashfaq Ahmed and Deputy Commissioner Rajanpur Imran Ranjha to take notice of the condition of the ramp.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2026