Tinsukia: The movement of troops to the "sensitive" Sino-Indian border along Kibithu valley in Arunachal Pradesh has been stalled after a bridge on the Hayuliang-Changwanti road collapsed on Sunday following a landslide triggered by incessant rainfall.

Moody, a 120ft, class 24 bridge, was a "crucial link" between Tezu and Anjaw districts.

The road was cut off for all vehicles heading to Hawai, Machal, Walong and Kibithu circle, affecting around 10,000 people besides the troops.

Hayuliang additional deputy commissioner Kego Jilen said continuous rainfall for the past few days triggered a landslide which led to the collapse of the crucial bridge connecting Changwanti, Hawai and beyond. "The road from Hayuliang to Hawai was recently handed over to a private company by Border Roads Task Force for double-laning. However, the BRTF did not hand over the bridge citing a technical problem," he said.

"Confirmed road is red, bridge broken. It means movement of troops by road stalled," said an army source in Dinjan.

Commander of 48 BRTF Col Rajeev Dhingra said the bridge collapsed owing to a massive landslide around 21km from Hayuliang, jeopardising road connectivity till Kibithu. "A new bridge will have to be constructed."

Refuting the administration charge, Col Dhingra said, "We handed the entire stretch of road, around 55km, along with the bridges and designs to the private company that received the double-laning contract. The restoration has been started in collaboration with NHIDCL on a war-footing."

Anjaw deputy commissioner Mamata Riba said, "I have directed Machal circle officer R. Siboh to monitor the repairs. His report is awaited."

Hayuliang resident Baling Ngondong said, "It is a major problem in case of medical emergencies."

Col Dhingra said later in the evening, "The road has been restored somewhat by putting boulders in the nullah through which water flows so that vehicles can pass through the 150-metres stretch. However, flash floods could wash it away."

Kibithu, the easternmost settlement of India, on the border with China, is 275km from the nearest brigade formation at Tezu. Soldiers of the Sikh Light Infantry are posted on the Line of Actual Control, while the Chinese brigade at Langzu under Western Theatre Command is merely 60km away.