Syndicate Trucks Back on Gammon Bridge: Has the Government Learned Nothing?

The recently reopened Gammon Bridge in Assam’s Barak Valley is once again under scrutiny after several overloaded trucks carrying stone chips and coal were seen crossing it at night, raising serious safety and corruption concerns among locals.

The bridge, considered a critical lifeline for the region, had been closed for nearly two months due to structural damage and urgent repair needs. During the closure, traffic was diverted through the Harang Bridge. However, that alternative route also collapsed due to similar overloading, despite having a clearly defined weight limit.

Locals allege that a powerful transport syndicate, known for bypassing weight restrictions, is back in operation, this time with renewed boldness. They fear that if left unchecked, the newly repaired Gammon Bridge could meet the same fate as before.

Reopening Amid Celebrations

The Gammon Bridge was reopened earlier this month with much fanfare. Assam Ministers Krishnendu Paul, and Kaushik Rai jointly inaugurated the bridge by ceremonially breaking coconuts and cutting a red ribbon. At the time of reopening, the bridge was approved for a maximum vehicle load of 20 tonnes.

However, in a sudden move, the permissible weight limit was increased to 40 tonnes starting July 19. That very night, eyewitnesses spotted multiple overloaded trucks crossing the bridge under the cover of darkness. The vehicles were reportedly carrying far more than the permitted limit, reigniting fears of infrastructure compromise.

Loopholes and Lax Enforcement

Residents argue that the nearest official weighbridge is 14 kilometers away, creating a regulatory vacuum that is being exploited. “This distance is being taken advantage of by certain unscrupulous traders and transporters, who are running overloaded trucks freely without any checks,” said a local resident on condition of anonymity.

Back when the Harang Bridge collapsed, action was taken against two junior police constables who were allegedly complicit. However, no steps were taken against the bigger players suspected of orchestrating the overloading racket—namely, the syndicate.

“It’s not just about two constables. Everyone knows there's a powerful nexus behind this, but no one touches them. Now they’re back in business, and our only lifeline is once again at risk,” the resident added.

Public Concerns Mount

The return of overloaded truck movement has sparked outrage and anxiety across the Barak Valley. For weeks, residents had suffered due to the bridge closure, facing increased travel times, economic strain, and inflated prices of essential goods.

Now, with the same cycle repeating, the public is demanding accountability and swift intervention. “If this continues, it’s only a matter of time before the bridge collapses again,” said another resident. “And this time, the consequences could be far worse.”

What Next?

With this report and related video footage now in the public domain, it remains to be seen how the administration responds. Locals are watching closely to see if the government will take meaningful action against the syndicate and implement strict enforcement measures to prevent another infrastructural disaster.

Until then, the people of the Barak Valley remain on edge, fearing that history may once again repeat itself on the Gammon Bridge.

Also Read: "Deteriorating Connectivity to Barak Valley," Gaurav Gogoi Writes to PM Modi