Footbridge Collapses in Borkhola, Several Escape by Jumping into Harang River

When the administration appears to treat public safety lightly, ordinary people are left to suffer. After the collapse of the Harang Bridge in Bhangarpar in August 2025 and the Anipur Bridge over the Singla River in Sribhumi in February this year, yet another bridge disaster struck on Sunday night (April 26), when a footbridge over Borkhola’s Harang River collapsed, leaving over 5,000 people disconnected.

A footbridge over the Harang River connecting Rong Ghar and Bhangarpar areas in Borkhola collapsed late Sunday night, while some people were crossing the bridge. They allegedly managed to save themselves by jumping into the river and swimming to safety. No casualties have been reported so far.

Locals claimed the bridge had been in a dangerous and worn-out condition for several days, with damaged poles and visible signs of deterioration. Despite repeated complaints and memoranda submitted to the administration, no repair work or alternative arrangements were reportedly made.

The bridge was allegedly being used not only by pedestrians but also by bikes, auto-rickshaws, and light four-wheelers.

“We repeatedly informed the Circle Officer and the DC about the poor condition of this bridge through several memorandums, but no action was taken to repair it or arrange an alternative route. Last night’s heavy storm and rainfall finally caused it to collapse. One person fell into the river while crossing, but thankfully managed to swim to safety. Now Rong Ghar has been cut off, and students of Bikrampur Higher Secondary School, along with many from Sonapur who used this shortest route, have been left stranded,” said a local youth.

It may be noted that the bridge was reportedly constructed using MPLADS funds during the tenure of former Silchar MP Sushmita Dev.