A major crisis unfolded in Assam’s Barak Valley after the sudden collapse of the Harang Bridge on the Silchar-Kalain road. The incident, which occurred late Thursday night, has cut off vital road connectivity and triggered emergency deployment of the Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams.
The collapsed structure has left hundreds stranded and sparked fears of major logistical disruptions in the coming days.
Army, NDRF Deployed for Rescue and Clearance
In response to the Harang bridge collapse, the Assam government immediately called in the Army and NDRF for relief and rescue operations. The teams have started clearing debris and assessing structural damage to ensure safety before starting full restoration.
Troops are also helping reroute stranded vehicles and transporting essential supplies. Also, drone surveillance is being used to monitor damage and ensure no civilian is trapped under the wreckage.
Connectivity Cut Off Across Barak Valley
The Harang Bridge served as a critical lifeline for Silchar and surrounding towns. With its collapse, transport between upper and lower Barak Valley districts has come to a standstill. Goods movement, healthcare access, and daily commute have all been severely hit.
Locals reported long queues of trucks and passenger vehicles stuck on both ends of the broken link. Schools in Kalain and nearby areas declared holidays until alternate routes are functional.
Learn more about Barak Valley’s infrastructure development here.
Sushmita Dev Urges Assam CM to Act
Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev has written to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urging immediate action. “The collapse of Harang Bridge has caused complete disconnection and chaos. The government must act swiftly to restore connectivity,” she said in a press release on Friday morning.
She has also demanded a high-level technical committee to investigate the cause of the collapse and ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
Government Promises Swift Rebuild
Chief Minister Sarma expressed concern over the Harang bridge collapse and said, “We are working with all stakeholders to ensure rescue and relief operations are completed quickly. A new bridge will be constructed using pre-fabricated materials to ensure fast restoration.”
Assam PWD Minister Nandita Gorlosa also visited the site. Moreover, she announced that an alternative Bailey bridge would be installed within 10 days to restore partial traffic flow.
Cause of Collapse Under Investigation
While no official cause has been confirmed yet, sources in the PWD suspect corrosion and overloading as possible reasons. Further, the bridge, built over two decades ago, had not undergone significant repairs despite increased traffic.
A structural audit team from IIT-Guwahati has been dispatched to study the damage and suggest long-term solutions.
Public Reaction and Protest
Angry residents and traders blocked parts of NH-37 on Friday morning, demanding accountability and immediate repair. “This is not the first time a bridge has collapsed in Barak Valley. We need safer infrastructure,” said a local trader in Sonabarighat.
Residents also took to social media, calling out poor maintenance and corruption in public works. Hashtags like #HarangBridgeCollapse and #SaveBarakValley trended on X (formerly Twitter).
With Barak Valley’s economy and mobility hanging in the balance, the Harang bridge collapse has highlighted the urgent need for better infrastructure planning and maintenance.
As the Army and NDRF work around the clock, authorities must also accelerate the process of rebuilding, ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
For updates on the bridge collapse and recovery progress, follow Assam State Disaster Management Authority.
