The nearly century-old British-era vertical-lift bridge over the Dikhow River in Sivasagar, Assam, has sparked a heated debate over its future. While some locals and officials call for its demolition due to severe structural deterioration and safety concerns, others—including heritage advocates and political leaders—demand its restoration, citing its unique engineering, historical significance, and potential as a tourist attraction. Built between 1925 and 1935, the bridge once played a vital role in regional transport and commerce, but decades of use have left it badly corroded and inoperative. As the Assam government weighs its options, pressure groups on both sides are intensifying their campaigns, making the bridge a focal point in discussions about heritage conservation versus modernization.
