Historic Saraighat bridge develops cracks

The historic Saraighat rail-cum- road bridge, considered the lifeline of the North Eastern region, has once again started developing cracks. The bridge, which was completed in 1962, is finally starting to show the effects of ageing as cracks have started developing in what is seen as an alarming development for commuters plying the route as it can lead to accidents.

According to reports, the district administration adopted precautionary measures and allowed only small vehicles to ply. The Commissioner of Police, Pradip Saloi confirmed the development of cracks in the bridge. He stated that repairing activities of the bridge is underway by the Public Work Department (PWD).

Cracks had also developed on the approach road of the footpath, which had sunk at least one feet below, sources said. The Bridge connects two shores of the Brahmaputra at Guwahati and is the first rail-cum-road bridge built in the region.