Assam’s Saraighat Bridge revamped after 60 years, Delhi-Guwahati train operations to improve

The historic Saraighat Bridge in Assam has undergone a significant rehabilitation project after more than six decades of service. The Rs 7 crore repair initiative was completed to reinforce critical components of the bridge, enhance its long-term safety and ensure smoother operations on the vital Delhi-Guwahati rail route. Construction of the bridge commenced in 1962 and it connects Assam and the Northeast with the rest of the country.

The rehabilitation work began on July 13, 2026 and was concluded on September 15, 2026. An official from Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) disclosed that inspections revealed damage to the road deck, expansion joints, and certain supporting steel members. Furthermore, cracks and weakened concrete sections had allowed water seepage, exacerbating the deterioration. Routine repairs were deemed insufficient, prompting the decision for a comprehensive rehabilitation project.

Among the key aspects of the rehabilitation project was the repair of eight expansion joints out of the 11 present on the bridge. Expansion joints accommodate the bridge's movement due to temperature fluctuations and other factors. The damaged joints were dismantled and repaired during the rehabilitation process. Additionally, supporting steel members were reinforced at locations where distress was observed.

Portions of the concrete road deck also experienced deterioration, including potholes and damage. Earlier attempts at pothole repairs between January and May 2026 were insufficient as traffic continued to use the bridge, causing further damage. The latest rehabilitation project involved dismantling the damaged sections of the road deck and recasting them with concrete, allowing for ample curing time to boost durability.

The Saraighat Bridge is a crucial link for movement between the Northeast and the rest of India. The rehabilitation addressed several structural issues such as damaged expansion joints, compromised concrete sections, and weakened steel members, aiming to bolster the bridge's long-term reliability and maintain safe railway operations. The bridge is also a crucial part of Delhi-Guwahati rail connectivity, making its long-term reliability significant for train movement along the route.