Investigation Launched After Bridge Collapse on Silchar-Kalain Highway

Bridge Collapse Investigation Initiated

Silchar, June 18: Kaushik Rai, the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Mines and Minerals, along with Barak Valley Development, announced on Wednesday that the Cachar district administration has begun an investigation into the reasons behind the bridge collapse on the Silchar-Kalain highway that occurred in the early hours of the day.

In a conversation with a local news outlet, Minister Rai stated that the District Commissioner has launched an inquiry and that FIRs have been filed against the vehicles that were on the bridge, which had a maximum load capacity of 40 tons.

He also mentioned that the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), with support from the Indian Army, will construct a temporary bailey bridge within the next ten days to facilitate vehicle movement.

Rai clarified that the bridge had been repaired at a cost of Rs 68 lakhs, countering claims that the repair expenses exceeded Rs 1 crore.

As a temporary solution, a 2 km diversion route has been established for traffic. However, vehicles exceeding 10 tons will not be allowed on this alternate route, according to the Minister.

He plans to visit the site on Thursday to evaluate the situation personally.

The incident occurred around 2 am on Wednesday at Bhangarpar, disrupting vital road connectivity between the Barak Valley and the neighboring states of Tripura and Mizoram. The bridge, which spanned the Harang River, had just reopened to the public a month prior after repairs.

During the collapse, two trucks loaded with stones fell into the river, but authorities confirmed that there were no casualties.

In response to the incident, Cachar District Commissioner Mridul Yadav and Superintendent of Police Numal Mahatta quickly arrived at the scene to assess the damage.

SSP Mahatta reported that rescue operations by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) commenced immediately, and an alternative road was identified for limited access for smaller vehicles.

District Commissioner Yadav confirmed that efforts are ongoing to install a bailey bridge to restore connectivity along the Silchar-Kalain National Highway.