the collapse of the Harang Bridge on the vital Silchar-Kalain road has completely severed road connectivity to Assam’s Barak Valley. The incident has left thousands stranded and disrupted essential supply routes.
Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev promptly responded to the crisis, writing an urgent letter to Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. She called for immediate intervention and the restoration of connectivity in the region.
Bridge Collapse Causes Chaos in Southern Assam
The Harang Bridge, located on National Highway 306, collapsed early Wednesday morning. It was a key link between Silchar and Kalain. And, its failure has cut off road transport to the entire Barak Valley, which includes the districts of Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi.
According to locals, the bridge had shown signs of structural damage for weeks. Authorities had been alerted, but no repairs were undertaken. The collapse now isolates Barak Valley from the rest of the state, impacting daily commuters, food supply chains, and emergency services.
MP Sushmita Dev’s Letter to the CM
In her letter to CM Sarma, Sushmita Dev highlighted the scale of disruption and urged swift remedial measures.
“The sudden collapse of the Harang Bridge has put over 40 lakh residents of Barak Valley at serious risk. Transport, health services, and commerce have all come to a standstill. Besides, I request your immediate attention to restore connectivity through temporary arrangements. And, begin bridge reconstruction on war footing,” she wrote.
She also demanded an inquiry into why prior warnings about the condition of the bridge were not addressed and whether negligence was involved.
Government Response and Temporary Alternatives Harang Bridge
Assam PWD officials confirmed that a technical team had been dispatched to assess the damage. Meanwhile, the state government is reportedly exploring emergency alternatives, including:
- Setting up a temporary Bailey bridge.
- Diverting traffic via longer but functional routes like the Shillong bypass.
- Engaging the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for quick reconstruction.
A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office said the administration is treating the incident with “highest priority” and is “coordinating with multiple agencies for quick resolution.”
Economic and Humanitarian Impact
The collapse has impacted not just transportation but also daily livelihoods. Barak Valley relies heavily on road connectivity for the supply of essentials, fuel, and medical equipment.
Trucks carrying food and LPG cylinders are now stuck on both sides of the bridge. Although, many patients needing transport to Silchar Medical College have also been left stranded.
“I was on my way to Silchar for a hospital visit. Now I’m stuck with no way forward,” said Abdul Karim, a resident of Kalain.
Call for Long-Term Infrastructure Solutions
Sushmita Dev’s letter also pressed for long-term planning to ensure the Barak Valley is not isolated during emergencies. Further, she recommended strengthening alternate routes and building additional bridges to reduce dependency on single structures.
Experts have also warned that Assam’s infrastructure, particularly in the flood-prone Barak Valley, must be modernised with better quality control and monitoring systems.
Public Outcry and Political Reactions Harang Bridge
The incident has triggered strong public reactions across social media and local forums. Citizens demanded accountability from the state government and faster project execution timelines.
Opposition leaders echoed Dev’s concerns and demanded a white paper on the condition of all critical infrastructure across the state.
Way Forward Harang Bridge
As of Wednesday evening, emergency services were working to set up temporary diversions. CM Sarma is expected to visit the site or hold a review meeting soon.
The Harang Bridge collapse has exposed the vulnerability of Barak Valley’s infrastructure. Also, authorities must act swiftly to restore connectivity. And ensure long-term solutions are not delayed further.