Silchar: A wave of celebration swept through the banks of the Barak River at Badarpur Ghat on Tuesday as the iconic Gammon Bridge was formally reopened ahead of schedule, following extensive repairs. The grand reopening ceremony marked not just the restoration of a critical transport link, but also the resilience and cooperation of the people of Barak Valley.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Minister for Food, Public Distribution, Consumer Affairs and Barak Valley Development, Kaushik Rai described the moment as a symbol of governance that delivers. “This bridge is more than just steel and concrete it is the lifeline of Barak Valley. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, what once seemed difficult was made possible through timely intervention and continuous monitoring,” he said, earning applause from the assembled crowd.

Later speaking to the media, Minister Rai commended the public for their patience during the bridge’s closure. “The faith and cooperation of the people enabled us to reopen this bridge — now safer and stronger than ever,” he added.

Public Works (Roads) and Animal Husbandry Minister Krishnendu Paul, who also spoke at the event, termed the reopening a proud milestone. “This project is a shining example of the government’s commitment and capacity to deliver. Despite challenges, we restored the bridge ahead of schedule and with upgraded safety standards,” he said, while thanking the Chief Minister, engineers, officers, and labourers involved in the restoration effort.

Importantly, Minister Paul also extended heartfelt gratitude to the public, calling their patience and support “invaluable to this success.”

The reopening of the Gammon Bridge a vital link over the Barak River has come as a huge relief to commuters and transporters across Barak Valley and neighbouring states. It restores a critical artery for trade, travel, and daily life.

New Restrictions to Safeguard Bridge

To ensure the long-term durability of the bridge, the Cachar district administration has announced strict regulations. From July 19, vehicles exceeding 40 tonnes and those with unauthorized structural modifications will be prohibited from crossing the bridge. The order, issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, aims to prevent structural strain and ensure public safety.

Enforcement checkpoints will be operational round-the-clock at Digarkhal on NH-06 and Dolu on NH-27, staffed by the police, transport officials, and executive magistrates. Duty rosters have been finalized, and violators will face strict penal action under relevant laws.

Officials highlighted that the bridge had undergone emergency repairs earlier this year following signs of damage and stress. The new restrictions aim to prevent a repeat of last year’s disruption, which saw partial closures due to cracks.

Transporters and drivers’ associations have been urged to cooperate with authorities to preserve the structural health of the bridge and safeguard public convenience. Cachar District Commissioner Mridul Yadav, praised the collaborative efforts behind the bridge’s reopening. “This success is a result of teamwork, swift execution, and public cooperation,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by several senior officials, including Cachar SP Numal Mahatta, NHIDCL GM Gauranga Deoghare, CEO of DDMA Subrata Bhattacharjee, ADC, Roktim Baruah, and Assistant Commissioner and DDIPR in-charge Deepa Das, among others.

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