Katigorah, Assam: Traffic on the important Gumra River Bridge in the Katigorah Assembly constituency of Assam’s Barak Valley has been partially restricted after two large craters reportedly developed on a section of the bridge, raising serious safety concerns.
As a precautionary measure, the local administration has prohibited the movement of heavy vehicles across the bridge with immediate effect. The restriction has disrupted transportation and the movement of goods in Barak Valley and adjoining areas, while light vehicles are being allowed to pass under monitoring.
According to local residents, the bridge had been in need of repairs for a considerable period. They claimed that the continuous movement of overloaded trucks may have contributed to the damage. Some residents also raised concerns over the quality of the bridge’s construction and maintenance. However, no official statement has yet been issued by the concerned department or the National Highways Authority regarding these claims.
The Gumra River Bridge serves as a vital transport link connecting Barak Valley with the neighbouring states of Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur, besides facilitating access towards the Bangladesh border. Local residents have urged the authorities to undertake immediate repair work to restore normal traffic and prevent further deterioration of the structure.
Officials have intensified monitoring of the bridge and are considering alternative traffic arrangements until repair work begins. Residents have expressed concern that any prolonged closure or delay in repairs could significantly affect transportation, trade, and daily commuting across the region.
