The old Saraighat Bridge will remain closed to vehicular traffic for the next four to five days after cracks were detected in parts of its bridge deck, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The Railway Department has sought approval from the District Administration to extend the closure, citing the need for further inspection and safety measures.
During the closure period, all vehicular traffic will be diverted to the adjacent new Saraighat Bridge to ensure smooth connectivity across the Brahmaputra River. However, train services on the lower deck of the old bridge will continue to operate as usual, as no immediate risk has been identified for rail operations.
The old Saraighat Bridge, a vital transport link in Assam, has long served as a dual-use structure for both road and rail traffic. Authorities have advised commuters to follow traffic diversions and await further updates on reopening timelines.