Concerns Rise Over Infrastructure Safety After Gammon Bridge Collapse in Sivasagar

The recent collapse of the Gammon Bridge in Sivasagar has sparked serious concerns regarding infrastructure safety in Assam. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has called for urgent intervention from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, highlighting previous warnings about the bridge's structural integrity. The incident has disrupted vital connectivity along NH-37, affecting commuters and essential services. Gogoi criticizes the government's reactive approach to infrastructure management, urging for more proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The situation underscores the need for improved oversight and maintenance of critical infrastructure in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 29, 2026, 12:52 IST

Infrastructure Safety Under Scrutiny

Guwahati, March 29: The recent failure of the Gammon Bridge in Sivasagar has raised significant alarms regarding the maintenance of infrastructure, prompting Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi to call for immediate action from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

In a letter dated March 28, Gogoi expressed his concerns about the safety and upkeep of infrastructure following the collapse of a section of the bridge over the Dikhow River early Friday morning.

He pointed out that the bridge, operational since 1963, had exhibited clear signs of structural wear nearly a month prior to the incident.

“What is unacceptable is this - the bridge had already indicated signs of distress. There were warnings. Yet, the authorities failed to respond in a timely manner,” Gogoi remarked in a social media post.

He further accused the administration of negligence, specifically criticizing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's leadership.

“This reflects the reality of governance focused on headlines, making grand promises while neglecting essential infrastructure,” Gogoi stated, emphasizing that the citizens of Assam deserve a government that prioritizes preventive measures over reactive responses.

Despite the evident risks, he noted that preventive actions were either postponed or insufficient, ultimately resulting in the bridge's collapse.

“The disruption has already inflicted significant difficulties on commuters, patients, and transporters,” Gogoi urged, calling on the Ministry to ensure rapid restoration of connectivity, reassess current monitoring systems, and implement stronger safeguards to avert similar occurrences.

Earlier on Friday, a section of the aging bridge unexpectedly collapsed, severing connectivity along NH-37 near Konwarpur.

While no injuries have been reported, the incident has critically hampered the movement of commuters, essential services, and goods throughout the area.

This highway is a vital artery for Upper Assam, linking major districts such as Jorhat, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia. With traffic rerouted through back roads, travelers are experiencing significantly extended travel times.

The APCC chief also highlighted the necessity for a more proactive stance on infrastructure management, especially in areas where connectivity is crucial for economic activities and daily life.