Bridge Collapse in Sivasagar: Gaurav Gogoi Writes to Nitin Gadkari, Flags ‘Ignored Warnings’

Following the collapse of a key bridge in Assam’s Sivasagar district, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has written to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, alleging that prior warnings about the structure’s condition were ignored.
The incident involved the decades-old Gammon Bridge over the Dikhow River, a vital link on National Highway-37 that connects several parts of Upper Assam. The bridge partially collapsed in the early hours of March 27, disrupting vehicular movement and affecting daily life and trade in the region.
In his letter, Gogoi termed the collapse “avoidable” and pointed out that visible signs of structural distress had been reported weeks before the incident. He questioned whether adequate preventive measures were taken in time, raising concerns over lapses in monitoring and maintenance of critical infrastructure.
According to officials, the bridge had developed a noticeable sag in its central span prior to the collapse. While authorities had imposed restrictions on heavy vehicles and initiated repair work, these measures proved insufficient. The collapse reportedly occurred when a heavy truck was crossing the bridge, causing a section to give way. The vehicle fell into the river, though no casualties were reported.
The disruption has led to major traffic congestion, with vehicles being diverted through alternative routes, significantly increasing travel time for commuters and transporters. The affected route is considered crucial for connectivity across Upper Assam, making the impact more severe.
Gogoi has urged Gadkari to ensure swift restoration of the damaged link and called for a comprehensive review of the safety and maintenance of ageing bridges across the state. He also emphasised the need for stronger monitoring systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The collapse has once again drawn attention to the condition of ageing infrastructure in Assam, especially along key national highways, and has sparked debate over accountability and timely intervention.