Assam Minister Inspects Collapsed Bridge Near Historic Namdang Stone Bridge
In a significant development concerning infrastructure safety in Assam, State Minister of Public Works (Buildings and National Highways) Jogen Mohan conducted a thorough inspection of the collapsed under-construction bridge on Saturday evening. The incident site is located near the historic Namdang Stone Bridge in the Gaurisagar area of Sivasagar district, raising serious questions about modern construction standards.
Partial Collapse Triggers Government Response
The partial collapse that occurred on January 23 has triggered widespread concern over construction quality and safety protocols. This alarming incident has prompted the Assam government to order a high-level probe to investigate the circumstances surrounding the structural failure. The collapsed section forms part of the Jhanji-Demow stretch of the ambitious four-lane highway project, which has achieved approximately 59.66% completion across its 44-kilometer span to date.
Technical Investigation Team to Arrive from Delhi
During the inspection, which was attended by district administration officials and representatives from the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Minister Mohan announced crucial next steps. A high-level technical investigation team from Delhi is scheduled to arrive on January 26 to conduct a comprehensive examination of the incident. The minister emphasized the government's commitment to public safety, stating that immediate and stringent measures would be implemented once any negligence in construction or other aspects is conclusively proven.
"Our government, which has always prioritized the safety and convenience of the general public, will ensure a swift investigation into this matter," Mohan declared during the inspection. "Immediate and stringent measures will be implemented as soon as any negligence in construction or other aspects is proven." The minister further assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible for the structural failure, underscoring the administration's zero-tolerance approach to infrastructure lapses.
Stark Contrast with Historic Namdang Stone Bridge
The collapsed flyover was constructed adjacent to the historic Namdang Stone Bridge, locally known as "Namdang Silar Sako." This ancient structure, through which NH-37 currently passes, stands in stark contrast to the modern construction failure. Built in 1703 during the reign of Ahom king Rudra Singha, the Namdang Stone Bridge spans the Dikhow river near Gaurisagar and represents a remarkable testament to Ahom architectural prowess. Measuring 60 meters in length, 6.5 meters in width, and 1.7 meters in height, this engineering marvel was carved from a single massive rock by skilled artisans centuries ago.
Remarkably, the historic bridge continues to function without showing any signs of wear and tear even after three centuries of continuous use. The under-construction four-lane highway was specifically routed to bypass this historic structure by several meters to ensure its preservation, given its immense historical and cultural significance to the region.
Public Outrage and Demands for Accountability
The stark contrast between the ancient bridge's durability and the modern structure's failure has sparked widespread public anger and questioning among local residents. Many community members are asking how a newly constructed bridge that hasn't even been opened for public use could collapse while the centuries-old stone bridge remains structurally sound. This incident has highlighted growing concerns about construction quality and safety standards in contemporary infrastructure projects.
In response to the collapse, members of the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) and local residents staged a protest on Saturday, demanding immediate action against the contractors responsible for the construction. The protest underscores the growing public demand for accountability and transparency in infrastructure development projects across the state.
The incident near the Namdang Stone Bridge serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining rigorous construction standards and preserving historical heritage simultaneously. As the investigation progresses, all eyes will be on the findings of the technical team from Delhi and the subsequent actions taken by the Assam government to address this infrastructure failure and prevent similar incidents in the future.
