Dilapidated Bridges in Barpeta District Endanger Villagers and Hinder Access to Services

Several wooden bridges in Assam’s Barpeta district are on the verge of collapse, cutting off thousands of villagers from essential services and posing significant safety risks. The most critical bridge connects ten villages to the main towns of Howly and Barpeta, affecting 10,000 to 15,000 people, including schoolchildren, who must cross it daily on foot. The bridge is impassable for vehicles, severely impacting local transportation and emergency services.

Other bridges in the area, such as those connecting Pakabetbari and Deurikuchi, and Dangarkuchi-Pakabetbari, also require urgent attention, affecting 20–25 villages. Despite repeated pleas, authorities have not addressed these infrastructure concerns, leaving communities especially vulnerable during the flood season.