Bridge Collapses on Silchar-Kalain Road at Bhangarpar; District Administration Launches Emergency Response

Silchar, June 18: A vital bridge on the Silchar-Kalain Road at Bhangarpar collapsed in the early hours of Wednesday at approximately 2:30 AM, severely disrupting transportation and triggering an immediate administrative response in Cachar district.

Upon receiving the alert, District Commissioner of Cachar, Shri Mridul Yadav, IAS, rushed to the site along with senior officials to personally assess the extent of the damage and oversee relief and rescue operations. The collapse has cut off a key connectivity route, affecting both passenger and goods transport.

Later in the afternoon, an emergency meeting was convened by the District Commissioner at 3:30 PM in the New Conference Hall of the DC’s Office. The meeting aimed to coordinate urgent restoration work, assess the evolving situation, and finalize interim transit solutions.

Officials Present in the Emergency Meeting Included:

• Shri Numal Mahatta, APS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Cachar
• Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime), Cachar
• Deputy Superintendent of Police, Cachar
• District Programme Officer, DDMA Cachar
• Officials from the PWD, Transport Department, Inland Water Transport, NHIDCL, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)
• Representatives from Tea Association of India, Merchant Association, Transport Association, and other key stakeholders

Key Decisions and Developments:

✔ Sufficient Essential Commodities Available:
The Food Grains Merchant Association confirmed the availability of adequate food grains and essential supplies across the district.

✔ Market Regulation Measures:
The Food, Public Distribution & Consumer Affairs Department has been directed to closely monitor pricing and take strict action against profiteering or price manipulation during this crisis.

✔ Public Reassurance:
DC Mridul Yadav appealed to citizens to maintain calm and avoid panic. He assured the public that the administration is taking swift and appropriate action to address the crisis.

✔ Alternative Transportation Routes Identified:
Two alternate routes have been mapped out to ensure uninterrupted vehicular movement until the collapsed bridge is restored.

✔ Restoration Initiatives:

• A Bailey Bridge will be installed at the collapse site as a temporary but sturdy replacement.
• Free boat service has already been made operational at Bhangarpar to facilitate commuter movement across the river.

✔ Legal and Investigative Action:

• An FIR has been filed, and five individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.
• A Magisterial Enquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the collapse and establish accountability.

Top Leadership Monitoring Situation:

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) Assam, under Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with Cabinet Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, local MLAs Kaushik Rai, Dipayan Chakraborty, Misbahul Islam Laskar, and Parimal Suklabaidya, are closely monitoring the situation through constant liaison with Cachar district authorities.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) and the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Cachar, have been placed on high alert, coordinating across departments to ensure timely updates, restoration planning, and citizen safety.

As bridge repair work begins and legal proceedings move forward, the district administration has reiterated its commitment to public safety, transparency, and accountability, while ensuring minimal disruption to daily life and essential services.

About The Author