Bridge Collapse on Silchar-Kalain Highway Leads to Arrests and Traffic Disruptions

Immediate Action Taken After Bridge Collapse

Silchar, June 19: Following the sudden failure of the recently repaired Bhangarpar bridge on the Silchar-Kalain highway, the Cachar district authorities have detained five individuals and suspended three police officers pending an investigation.

This decisive action was initiated shortly after an FIR was filed regarding the incident, which disrupted crucial connectivity between Barak Valley and the adjacent states of Tripura and Mizoram.

Cachar Superintendent of Police Numal Mahatta stated that the detained individuals are undergoing questioning.

“Three police officers who were present at the bridge during the incident have been placed on reserve duty,” Mahatta added.

The bridge, which had a maximum load capacity of 40 tons, had just been reopened a month prior after undergoing repairs.

Minister of Mines and Minerals Kuashik Rai announced that FIRs have been filed against the vehicles that violated the weight restrictions.

In response to the collapse, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), with support from the Indian Army, plans to construct a Bailey bridge at the site within the next ten days to restore traffic.

Additionally, a temporary diversion spanning 2 kilometers has been established to allow light vehicles to pass. However, vehicles exceeding 10 tons will not be allowed on this alternate route.

The incident occurred around 2 am on Wednesday at Bhangarpar, where the bridge over the Harang River collapsed after two overloaded trucks, reportedly transporting stone, attempted to cross. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

This collapse has reignited concerns regarding the enforcement of load limits on critical infrastructure and the reliability of recently repaired public structures. An official investigation into the cause of the collapse is currently in progress.