Neglect Worsens Katigorah-Badarpur Bridge Damage Despite Weight Restrictions

A section of the railing on the Katigorah-Badarpur bridge, part of National Highway 6 over the Barak River, collapsed on Saturday, with the affected portion sinking by approximately six inches, causing panic among commuters. Given the deteriorating condition of the bridge, authorities had restricted the movement of vehicles weighing over 20 tonnes. However, these restrictions were not enforced properly, and reportedly overloaded trucks weighing 50-60 tonnes continued to pass over it, further worsening the damage.

The bridge, a vital link on NH 6 connecting Barak Valley with Guwahati, has been in a deteriorated state for the past six months. A few months ago, cracks had appeared on the northern section of the bridge. Before the authorities could complete repairs on that side, similar damage has now been reported on the southern section, causing panic among locals.

Due to its fragile condition, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) had prohibited the movement of vehicles weighing over 20 tonnes on the bridge. However, reports suggest that despite restrictions, Assam Home Guards stationed at the site neglected their duty, allowing 50-60 tonne-loaded trucks to pass. This has further weakened the structure.

Following the latest damage on Saturday, officials have intensified efforts to enforce overload restrictions, resulting in severe traffic congestion. The situation worsened during the night, leading to long traffic delays.

Concerns have been raised over NHIDCL’s failure to repair the bridge despite its deteriorating condition. If the bridge collapses entirely, it will sever road connectivity between Guwahati and the three districts of Barak Valley—Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi (formerly Karimganj)—as well as neighbouring states Tripura and Mizoram.

Despite the restriction on heavy vehicles, how were overloaded trucks allowed to cross the fragile bridge? Was there a failure in enforcement, or was it sheer negligence? This lack of adherence to safety measures has now turned an avoidable situation into a growing crisis, leaving locals in fear of a potential disaster.