Reopening of the Historic Saraighat Bridge After Major Rehabilitation
Saraighat Bridge Reopens Following Extensive Repairs
The rehabilitation work, taken up at an estimated cost of around Rs 7 crore, began on July 13
Guwahati, Sept 16: The historic Saraighat Bridge has reopened to the public after undergoing two months of essential maintenance and rehabilitation work conducted by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).
The rehabilitation project, which commenced on July 13, was completed on September 15 at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 7 crore, according to NFR officials.
Kapinjal Sharma, the chief PRO of NFR, noted that the bridge had experienced significant wear over the years, leading to deterioration in key structural components, particularly the upper deck slab.
“Routine maintenance and minor repairs were insufficient. A thorough rehabilitation was necessary to restore the bridge and improve its long-term structural integrity,” Sharma explained.
A comprehensive inspection revealed several urgent issues, including a distressed expansion joint at the Amingaon end, damaged steel supports, structural cracks, and cavity formation in the concrete.
Water damage from concrete deterioration had affected eight out of the eleven expansion joints, and multiple potholes were identified on the road deck.
During the rehabilitation, the damaged expansion joints were removed and repaired, while the compromised sections of the concrete road deck were replaced.
Repairs and reinforcement of the underlying steel structure were also executed. Damaged areas of the deck were restored through a systematic concreting process, followed by proper curing.
Sharma mentioned that pothole repairs had been attempted several times between January and May this year. However, the limited curing time while maintaining traffic flow led to further damage, especially under heavy vehicle loads.
“This situation called for a more thorough and durable rehabilitation strategy to ensure that the repaired sections could achieve the necessary strength and longevity,” the CPRO stated.
He emphasized that the successful completion of the rehabilitation work showcased the dedication and technical skills of the Indian Railways engineering team.
“The Saraighat Bridge is a significant landmark for Indian Railways, holding great historical and strategic importance for Assam and the entire Northeast. This comprehensive rehabilitation ensures its ongoing safety, structural integrity, and reliability,” Sharma added.
Since its commissioning in 1962, the Saraighat Bridge has been a crucial connection between the Northeast and the rest of India for over sixty years.