Traffic restored along NH 31 in Assam after a month

Guwahati, Oct 13 (UNI) A bailey bridge on National Highway 31 in Barpeta district of Assam was opened for traffic today after the permanent bridge was damaged by high floods more than a month ago, stopping all traffic movement over the bridge.

The NH 31 serves as the main road supply link for the entire NE and any disruption of traffic along the highway causes major problems for supply chain as well as passenger traffic.

The RCC bridge between Howly and Bhawanipur in Barpeta district was damaged by rushing waters on September 11. One of the piers of the bridge had collapsed, causing dislocation of slabs on the bridge, and also heavy damage was caused to the abutments.

Light traffic was allowed through a nearby road and heavy traffic was diverted through Goalpara district.

The bailey bridge, which was inaugurated today, was constructed by the Army Engineers of Red Horns Division under Gajraj Corps. With a load capacity of 30 tonne, vehicles can pass from only one direction at a time.

The bailey bridge was inaugurated in the presence of GoC Red Horns Division Gyan Bhusan and Assam Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Dr Bhumidhar Barman.

The site was handed over to the Army engineers on October 8 after the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) constructed the required abutments at the site.

The construction of Class 40 Track / 30 wheeled bailey bridge started on October 9. The total length of the bridge is 140 feet and weigh around 80 tonnes.

UNI