Harang bridge collapse on the Silchar-Kalain road has prompted a magistrate-level inquiry. It raised questions about overloaded trucks and contractors negligence.
Overloaded Trucks and Contractor Negligence Under Scrutiny
Assam Minister Kaushik Roy announced that a probe committee has been formed to investigate why the Harang bridge collapsed. The committee will submit its report within one week. The investigation will examine if overloaded trucks were the sole cause or if there was negligence from the contractor and departmental authorities.
The Harang bridge, which had a load capacity of 40 tons, collapsed around 2 AM on June 17, when two overloaded tippers carrying limestone attempted to cross it simultaneously. Both tippers, along with the bridge, plunged into the river. This incident has reignited concerns about the “limestone syndicate” in the region.
Immediate Actions and Allocations
Minister Roy stated that ₹68 lakh was allocated for the bridge’s repair, with ₹12 lakh already paid to the contractor. However, the Public Works Department (PWD) Road Division has been instructed to stop further payments to the contractor.
In response to the collapse, three police personnel, including an SI, have been suspended for lax supervision. Additionally, five individuals from the weighbridge that provided weight-related documents for the limestone-laden tippers have been arrested.
Restoring Connectivity
To ease public travel, Chief Minister has sanctioned ₹2 crore for the repair of an alternative road. The broken Harang bridge will be dismantled within 4-5 days. Following this, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) will construct a Bailey bridge. Materials for the Bailey bridge are being transported from Ranchi and are expected to arrive within 5-6 days. Construction will begin soon after the collapsed bridge is cleared.
The collapse of the Harang bridge has caused significant disruption. The Badarpur-Katigorah road’s Gammon bridge has been closed for repairs since May 20 for two months, making the Silchar-Kalain road a crucial alternative. With the Harang bridge now gone, the three districts of Barak Valley, along with neighboring Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, are facing communication challenges with Guwahati.
