Silchar: More than six months after Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone for the much-awaited Madhuraghat (Gandhighat) RCC bridge over the Barak river, construction work is yet to commence, triggering concern and resentment among residents and civil society groups in the region.The bridge project, sanctioned under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) at an estimated cost of around Rs 80 crore, was formally inaugurated on Dec 7, 2025. However, despite repeated assurances and public expectations, no visible progress has been made at the site so far.The proposed RCC bridge, designed to improve connectivity between Greater Dudhpatil and adjoining areas, will be 340 metres long and 7.5 metres wide. According to project plans, it will comprise five spans supported by pile foundations. The project also includes the construction of a 280-metre approach road and the upgrading of the road from Madhuraghat to Capital Point in Silchar.Residents said the bridge has been a long-pending demand and is expected to ease transportation difficulties while boosting economic activity in the area. The delay in starting work has, however, led to growing public frustration.Several social organisations, including the Greater Silchar Citizens’ Forum, have urged state govt to expedite the project. They have appealed to the CM, ministers from the Barak Valley, MPs and local MLAs to intervene and ensure that construction begins without further delay.Sanjib Roy, president of Youth Against Social Evils (YASI), an NGO, said the site holds historical significance. He added that the ghat came to be known as Gandhighat after the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed there. He noted that the river crossing served as an important connectivity link between the town and the surrounding areas since the British era.Civil society groups have also sought clarification from the authorities on the project’s status and the reasons behind the delay.With no activity visible on the ground, residents fear that continued inaction could jeopardise a project widely seen as crucial for the region’s connectivity and future development.
Civil society groups have sought clarification from the authorities on the project’s status and the reasons behind the delay
