Assam: Old Saraighat Bridge over Brahmaputra to remain shut for two months
Guwahati, July 7
The Kamrup district administration in Assam on Tuesday announced that the old Saraighat Bridge over the Brahmaputra will remain closed to heavy vehicles from July 16 to September 15 to facilitate maintenance and strengthening work on the six-decade-old structure, officials said.
Kamrup (Metro) District Commissioner Sumit Sattawan said the decision was taken following recommendations from technical experts overseeing the repair of the historic rail-cum-road bridge, to ensure public safety and expedite the restoration work.
Under the revised traffic arrangement, trucks, multi-axle vehicles and other heavy commercial vehicles will not be allowed to use the old bridge during the two months. However, light motor vehicles, passenger vehicles, two-wheelers and emergency service vehicles will continue to ply on the bridge as per the existing traffic regulations.
The administration has advised transporters and commercial vehicle operators to use the new Saraighat Bridge for crossing the Brahmaputra while the restrictions remain in force. Traffic police and other departments have been instructed to ensure smooth vehicular movement and minimise congestion on the alternate route.
The old Saraighat Bridge, commissioned in 1962, holds immense historical significance as India's first rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra. For more than five decades, it served as the principal road link connecting Guwahati with North Assam and the rest of the Northeast, playing a crucial role in the region's economic and social development.
However, with growing traffic volume and the ageing of the structure, authorities have been carrying out periodic maintenance and strengthening works to enhance its operational life and ensure commuter safety.
The four-lane new Saraighat Bridge, inaugurated in 2017 adjacent to the old bridge, was constructed to decongest traffic and provide a modern alternative for vehicles crossing the Brahmaputra. Since its commissioning, heavy commercial traffic has frequently been diverted to the new bridge whenever repair work is undertaken on the older structure.
Officials said the latest maintenance exercise is part of the government's ongoing efforts to preserve the iconic bridge while ensuring uninterrupted connectivity between the two banks of the Brahmaputra.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone from North Assam, this bridge is like lifeline for us. Old Saraighat has been there since 1962—my grandparents used it. But I've seen buses and trucks rumbling on it daily, so repair is overdue. Wish they could do it faster though, two months of detours will affect local businesses.
Finally some proactive maintenance! In India we often wait until bridges collapse (remember the Morbi tragedy?). This is a sign of responsible administration. But I'm worried about the new bridge taking all the load—it's only 7 years old, hope it can handle the extra traffic without damage. 🚛
I'm an engineer and I think this is a solid plan. The old bridge is 60+ years old with rail and road traffic—maintenance is critical. The 2-month window aligns with monsoon season when river currents are high, so they're being careful. Kudos to the Assam government for prioritizing safety over convenience.
Historical bridge indeed! Sarai什么hat is part of our Assamese identity. But let's be real—the authorities should have completed this work during lockdown when traffic was minimal. Now they close it in peak travel season. And why only heavy vehicles? Light vehicles risk too if structure is weak. Just saying. 🤷♀️
I drive from Guwahati to Tezpur every week for work. With two bridges now, it's not that bad—the new one is smooth. But truck drivers will suffer, no doubt. Hope the administration provides clear signage and at least partial toll exemption on the new bridge during this period. Otherwise, common
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