Gammon Bridge Collapse Disrupts NH-37 Traffic in Sivasagar

A major disruption struck Sivasagar early Friday after a portion of the Gammon bridge over the Dikhow River collapsed near Konwarpur, halting traffic on National Highway 37.

Officials said the middle section of the bridge gave way in the early hours, cutting off a key route connecting Upper Assam districts like Jorhat, Tinsukia, and Dibrugarh. The collapse reportedly occurred shortly after a 12-wheeled dumper truck crossed the bridge. No casualties were reported.

Authorities rushed to the site and began repair work, even as the bridge—built in 1963—was already undergoing maintenance due to its deteriorating condition.

Local residents alleged long-standing negligence, claiming visible cracks and potholes had weakened the structure over the past few months. They also criticised delays in completing an alternative bridge, calling it a major lapse given the route’s importance.

Officials are currently assessing the damage and working to restore connectivity, while exploring alternative routes. The incident has raised fresh concerns over ageing infrastructure and delayed development projects in the region.