The Kamrup (Metro) district administration in Assam announced that the old Saraighat Bridge over the Brahmaputra will be closed to heavy vehicles from July 16 to September 15 for maintenance and strengthening purposes. This decision was made based on recommendations from technical experts overseeing the repair work on the six-decade-old structure. Trucks and heavy commercial vehicles will not be permitted to use the old bridge during this period, while light motor vehicles, passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and emergency service vehicles can continue using it as per regular traffic rules.
Transporters and commercial vehicle operators are advised to utilize the new Saraighat Bridge for crossing the Brahmaputra while the restrictions are in place. To ensure smooth traffic flow and minimize congestion on the alternate route, traffic police and other departments have been directed to manage vehicular movement effectively. The old Saraighat Bridge, inaugurated in 1962, is of historical significance as India’s first rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra, serving as a vital link between Guwahati and North Assam for over five decades.
The construction of the four-lane new Saraighat Bridge in 2017 aimed to alleviate traffic congestion and offer a modern crossing option for vehicles. Whenever maintenance work is carried out on the old bridge, heavy commercial traffic is diverted to the new bridge. This current maintenance initiative is part of the government’s continuous efforts to preserve the iconic bridge and ensure seamless connectivity across the Brahmaputra riverbanks.
