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Assam Bridge Repaired at a Cost of ₹1.37 Crore Collapses within a Month
A bridge on the Silchar-Kalain National Highway at Bhangarpar collapsed around 2 am on Wednesday, cutting off road connectivity to the Barak Valley and the neighbouring states of Tripura and Mizoram. The bridge, which crossed the Harang River, had only recently reopened to the public after repairs costing ₹1.37 crore. Two trucks carrying stone plunged into the river below. However, police confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident.
Cachar District Commissioner Mridul Yadav and Superintendent of Police Numal Mahatta rushed to the site in the early hours to assess the damage. Rescue operations were immediately launched by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). SP Mahatta informed that an adjacent route had been identified to allow limited passage for small vehicles.
District authorities are now working on plans to restore connectivity. “We’re exploring the option of installing a Bailey bridge,” said DC Yadav while speaking to The Assam Tribune. “While a 100-foot span is available locally, the collapsed bridge measures 130 feet. So, the required materials will have to be sourced from either Guwahati or Kolkata, which could take at least 10 days. But we are going ahead with the Bailey bridge plan.”
In the interim, a 2-kilometre diversion route has been opened to allow light vehicles to pass. However, heavy vehicles remain restricted, posing a serious challenge to movement of goods and essential supplies.
The collapse has exposed deep concerns about the region’s infrastructure. The Silchar-Kalain highway had been serving as a vital alternative while the main Katigorah Gammon Bridge on National Highway 6 remains closed for repairs. With both routes now out of service, the Barak Valley and nearby regions are virtually isolated from the rest of Assam.
Local leaders have voiced strong criticism over the incident. Borkhola MLA Misbahul Islam Laskar, who visited the site, blamed poor quality control for the failure. “This collapse is a result of negligence and a complete failure to ensure proper standards during repairs,” he stated.
