Gammon Bridge in Cachar Reopens After Extensive Repairs
Reopening of Gammon Bridge
Silchar, July 16: The Gammon Bridge in Cachar has officially reopened for traffic following a 55-day period of necessary repairs and renovations.
Cabinet Ministers Kaushik Rai and Krishnendu Paul, along with senior officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), which oversaw the restoration, monitored vehicle movement during the reopening.
Minister Rai announced that the repair work was funded with a budget of Rs 2.75 crores.
“A total of Rs 2.75 crore was allocated for the repair work, and Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma received daily updates on the progress. I appreciate the local community for their cooperation despite the challenges faced,” Rai expressed.
Minister Paul added, “This bridge is not just a structure; it is vital for the Barak Valley's connectivity. Its reopening signifies a return to normalcy and uninterrupted access for thousands of residents in the valley and neighboring states like Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura.”
Paul also mentioned that a task force has been established to conduct regular inspections and enforce load limits to maintain the bridge's structural integrity.
He further noted that the construction of a bailey bridge over the Harang River is being expedited, with work expected to pick up pace from July 20.
Officials from NHIDCL and the state transport department confirmed that stringent monitoring measures will be put in place to prevent vehicle overloading, a significant factor in the bridge's deterioration. This includes weighbridges, mobile surveillance teams, and penalties for violations as part of the new safety protocols.
The bridge, built in 1974 at Badarpurghat in the Katigorah constituency, had been closed for nearly two months for critical maintenance after engineers identified structural vulnerabilities during routine checks.
During its closure, alternative routes caused logistical challenges, resulting in significant delays, economic losses, and disruptions to essential services in the area.