Exclusive: Did Limestone Syndicate Cause Harang Bridge Collapse or Was It Shoddy Repair Work? Enquiry Will Reveal, Says Kaushik Rai

In the early hours of Wednesday (June 18), a bridge over the Harang River at Bhangarpar, along the Silchar-Kalain Road, suddenly gave way around 2 AM, causing two overloaded stone-loaded dumpers to plunge into the river below. The bridge had only recently reopened following repair work, and its sudden collapse has sparked alarm and serious concerns over the quality of the maintenance carried out. It is being estimated that the overloaded trucks might have caused the bridge to collapse. While this might be the immediate reason, shoddy repair work is also being questioned. 

Initial reports suggest the two overloaded trucks were carrying limestone, lending weight to long-standing allegations of an “active limestone syndicate” operating in the Cachar district. The bigger question now troubling residents is whether Barak Valley has been cut off. 

Minister Kaushik Rai, however, has assured that steps are being taken to prevent any major disruption for the people of the region. If required, a Bailey Bridge will be built in its place, revealed Rai. The bridge served as a vital diversion route since the Katigorah Gammon Bridge on National Highway 6 is under repair. This route was being used for all vehicle movement between Barak Valley and Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram. With the collapse, panic and concern have spread widely.

Speaking to Barak Bulletin, Barak Valley Development Department Minister, Kaushik Rai, addressed the questions and explained what actions are being taken to manage the situation.

Kaushik Rai said that small private vehicles can still use a nearby alternative road, although the distance will increase by 2 km. “We do have another alternative route, which would increase the journey by 2 km, but small vehicles can take that road. It can sustain 10-tonne weighing vehicles,” he said. He assured that this route would be used temporarily to maintain essential journeys.

To restore full connectivity, the government plans to construct a Bailey Bridge at the collapsed site. Rai confirmed that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has already directed that this temporary bridge be built. Officials from NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited) are also on the site, assessing how quickly the work can begin.

An enquiry has been ordered into the collapse, especially since the bridge had undergone repairs less than two months ago. Rai mentioned that the Public Works Department (PWD) would carry out an investigation, and the District Commissioner (DC) has been asked to look into the matter. “We need to see what was on those trucks and how they managed to cross the bridge, even when there were restrictions,” Rai said. Reports suggest the trucks were carrying almost 70 tonnes, far beyond the bridge’s 40-tonne limit.

Talking about vehicles from Meghalaya, Rai acknowledged that the collapse will affect goods transport. “The vehicles that reach here from Meghalaya would be affected by it. Prices of vegetables may rise, but we are taking steps to control it,” he said. He assured the public that discussions have been going on with officials since the night of the incident to ensure everything remains under control.

While the incident has caused disruption, the authorities are moving quickly. The collapse has once again brought the spotlight on the need for proper road and bridge safety, and the investigation by PWD and the DC’s office will now be closely watched by the public.