Assam’s Saraighat Bridge Gets ₹7 Crore Rehabilitation After 60 Years To Support Delhi-Guwahati Train Operations

Guwahati, September 18: The historic Saraighat Bridge in Assam has been the subject of a major rehabilitation project following six decades of service. The repairs, aimed at enhancing safety and facilitating smoother operations on the Delhi-Guwahati railway route, were concluded on September 15, 2026. The initiative, which began on July 13, 2026, was prompted by inspections that identified damage in several components of the bridge.

Commissioned in 1962, the Saraighat Bridge serves as a vital railway link connecting Assam and the Northeast with the rest of the country. According to Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northeast Frontier Railway, the investigation uncovered issues with the road deck, expansion joints, and certain supporting steel members.

Damage to concrete sections also facilitated water infiltration, contributing to additional deterioration. As routine maintenance was insufficient, a comprehensive rehabilitation project was initiated. This endeavor is crucial for sustaining the bridge's structural integrity, which is essential for uninterrupted connectivity in the region.

Eight expansion joints, out of the 11 installed on the bridge, were among the areas addressed during the rehabilitation work. These expansion joints, crucial for accommodating movements induced by temperature variations and other factors, were dismantled and repaired. Additionally, supporting steel members were reinforced at locations where distress was detected.

The repairs have addressed key structural concerns, thereby bolstering the bridge's long-term reliability and supporting safer railway operations. The road deck also underwent a facelift, with damaged portions being removed and recast with concrete. This work was completed after adequate curing time was provided, preventing further damage.

The Saraighat Bridge, spanning the Brahmaputra River, is a significant symbol of connectivity between Assam and the Northeast and the rest of India. The completion of the Rs 7 crore rehabilitation project underscores efforts to preserve the historic structure while ensuring its continued use in the years to come.