The collapse of a section of the Gammon Bridge over the Dikhow River in Sivasagar district has triggered a sharp political reaction in Assam, with Congress President and Jorhat candidate Gaurav Gogoi criticizing the BJP-led government over alleged negligence in infrastructure maintenance. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of March 28, disrupted traffic on National Highway 37, a vital transport corridor in Upper Assam. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the collapse, but the incident has raised serious concerns about structural safety and long-term upkeep of aging infrastructure in the region.
Gogoi Writes to Nitin Gadkari Seeking Urgent Intervention
Following the collapse, Gogoi addressed a letter to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, urging immediate intervention to restore connectivity and assess the situation. In his communication, Gogoi emphasized that the bridge, which has been in use since 1963, showed visible signs of structural distress nearly a month prior to the incident. He pointed out that despite warnings and indications of damage, preventive action was either delayed or insufficient to prevent the collapse. Gogoi called for swift restoration measures and a thorough review of monitoring and maintenance systems to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Criticism of State Government and Infrastructure Management
In a post on social media platform X, Gogoi strongly criticized Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s administration, accusing it of failing to address critical infrastructure concerns. He described the collapse as a reflection of what he termed “headline-driven governance,” arguing that while grand announcements are often made, basic infrastructure maintenance is neglected on the ground. Gogoi stated that the failure of the Gammon Bridge has severely affected NH-37, widely regarded as the lifeline of Upper Assam, and stressed that the government’s inability to act on early warning signs highlights systemic shortcomings in governance and accountability.
Calls for Comprehensive Safety Review and Long-Term Measures
In his letter to the Union Minister, Gogoi also stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to infrastructure safety, including improved maintenance protocols, proactive inspections, and stronger safeguards to prevent such failures. He urged authorities to prioritize timely interventions and ensure that infrastructure across the region is regularly assessed for structural integrity. The Gammon Bridge, an essential link on NH-37, has long been a critical artery for transport and commerce in the region. Gogoi had previously raised concerns in Parliament regarding the poor condition of NH-37 between Jorhat and Dibrugarh, highlighting ongoing issues with road quality and infrastructure reliability. The latest incident has once again brought the focus back on the urgent need for sustained infrastructure investment and monitoring in Assam.
