The foundation stone for a long-awaited concrete bridge project in Salbari, located in Assam’s Baksa district, was recently laid. The development has brought renewed hope to local residents, who have endured years of challenges due to poor connectivity, especially during the monsoon months.
The project, which has been sanctioned under the state government’s rural infrastructure development scheme, is expected to replace a decades-old wooden and bamboo bridge, which was previously the only link between several interior villages and the main town area.
A Long-Standing Demand
For years, the people of Salbari and surrounding areas have voiced concerns about poor road and bridge infrastructure, which restricted their access to essential services including education, healthcare, and markets. The existing makeshift bridge over the Beki River was not only unsafe but also prone to collapse during heavy rains, frequently cutting off entire villages from the rest of the district.
The new concrete bridge, once completed, is expected to offer year-round, all-weather connectivity. It will serve as a critical link between remote villages in Salbari and key locations such as Barpeta, Bongaigaon, and even parts of Guwahati, ensuring smoother movement of people and goods.
Project Highlights
The bridge project will be built at an estimated cost of ₹9.5 crore and spans over 120 meters, with reinforced concrete pillars and side railings to ensure structural strength and safety. Construction work is expected to be completed within 18 months, barring any weather-related or logistical delays.
The project is being implemented by the Public Works Department (PWD) with close coordination from the Assam Rural Infrastructure and Development Agency (ARIDA). Local contractors and workers have already begun site clearance and foundational work, with heavy equipment and materials mobilized over the past few days.
Community Benefits
Once operational, the bridge will benefit over 20,000 residents in and around Salbari. Farmers, small traders, schoolchildren, and patients will particularly gain from this infrastructural upgrade. During the rainy season, when floods frequently isolate the region, this concrete bridge will play a crucial role in ensuring uninterrupted transport and emergency services.
Additionally, the improved connectivity is expected to stimulate local economic growth, particularly in agriculture and small-scale trade. Easier access to urban markets will enable farmers to transport produce more efficiently, reducing spoilage and increasing income.
Boost to Tourism and Ecological Accessibility
Salbari is also the gateway to Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and this infrastructure boost could enhance tourism in the region. Currently, poor roads and unreliable bridge access limit the number of visitors. With the new bridge, it’s expected that eco-tourism initiatives will gain traction, bringing additional revenue to local communities through homestays, guides, and small businesses.
Local Voices and Reactions
Local residents gathered in large numbers to witness the foundation-laying ceremony, expressing a sense of relief and anticipation. Many recalled past difficulties, such as crossing the rickety wooden bridge with school bags, bicycles, or even sick family members. The sentiment across the region is one of optimism, with many welcoming this long-overdue development.
Local leaders praised the government’s proactive steps in addressing rural infrastructural gaps, and urged authorities to ensure that the project remains on schedule without compromising on quality. They also called for regular maintenance mechanisms post-construction, so that the bridge remains functional for decades to come.
Vision for the Future
The Salbari bridge project is one of several rural development initiatives currently underway in western Assam. It reflects the state government’s broader goal of integrating remote regions into mainstream development, reducing urban-rural disparities, and enhancing disaster resilience through improved infrastructure.
As the foundation stone marks the beginning of a new chapter for Salbari, the community looks forward to a future where connectivity is no longer a privilege but a basic right. The bridge, more than just a structure, stands as a symbol of progress, access, and hope for thousands who have long awaited this change.