Historic Gammon Bridge Collapse in Assam Disrupts National Highway-37 Traffic
In a significant infrastructure incident, a section of the historic Gammon bridge over the Dikhow river in Sivasagar district, Assam, collapsed in the early hours of Friday. This event brought traffic on National Highway-37 to a complete standstill, forcing hundreds of commuters to seek alternative routes and causing immediate disruptions in the region.
Details of the Collapse and Immediate Response
According to officials, the structure gave way, leading to a portion of the deck in the middle of the bridge plunging into the river below. Fortunately, no casualties or accidents were reported, as the collapse occurred during the pre-dawn hours when traffic was minimal. Following the incident, local police and district administration officials rushed to the scene to cordon off the area, ensuring safety and preventing further risks.
Constructed in 1963, the Gammon bridge has served the region for over six decades. However, its age has recently become a major concern. Authorities revealed that the bridge had shown alarming signs of structural fatigue and weakness nearly a month ago. This prompted the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to initiate stabilisation work in an effort to prevent such a collapse.
Causes and Ongoing Assessments
An NHIDCL on-site official stated, "The bridge had been under observation due to visible structural distress. We had already deployed teams to carry out essential repairs to prevent such an occurrence, but unfortunately a section collapsed. Our immediate priority is to assess the remaining stability and find a swift solution for restoration." This highlights the proactive measures taken, yet the collapse underscores the challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure.
With NH-37 being the busiest transit route in the region, the shutdown caused immediate traffic snarls. To manage the situation, the Sivasagar district administration has implemented an emergency traffic diversion plan. All vehicles are currently being rerouted through alternate interior roads, which is adding significant travel time for commuters and commercial transporters, impacting daily operations and logistics.
Future Plans and Restoration Efforts
Officials confirmed that repair and reconstruction plans are expected to be drawn up and initiated soon. The restoration of full connectivity on this crucial highway is the top priority, as it is vital for regional mobility and economic activities. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular infrastructure maintenance and timely interventions to prevent such failures.
This collapse not only disrupts traffic but also raises questions about the condition of other aging bridges in the area. Authorities are urged to conduct thorough inspections and allocate resources for necessary upgrades to ensure public safety and smooth transportation networks in the future.
