GUWAHATI: The old Saraighat Bridge over the river Brahmaputra will remain completely closed to all vehicular movement for two months starting July 13, as N.F. Railway authorities undertake repair and restoration works on the bridge, Assam Police said in a press advisory.
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The bridge will be shut from both sides for the entire duration of the repair work, with no vehicles permitted to ply on it until completion. As a result, traffic will move two-way on the new Saraighat Bridge during this period. The revised traffic regulations will come into effect from 5 AM on July 13 and remain in force until July 31, 2026, or until further orders.
According to the advisory, all heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), except passenger-carrying buses, travelling from Lower Assam towards Upper Assam will be diverted via Baihata Chariali-Kaliabor-Tiniali, while HMVs moving in the opposite direction will take the Kaliabor-Tiniali-Baihata Chariali route.
No commercial goods-carrying vehicles will be allowed entry or exit via the new Saraighat Bridge into Guwahati city between 6 AM and 10 PM. Light motor vehicles (LMVs) coming from the Lower Assam side towards Upper Assam via Guwahati will not be allowed to take the normal route via the old bridge; instead, they will be diverted towards the new Saraighat Bridge at the checkpoint near it, before rejoining their normal route at the Naka checkpoint in Jalukbari.
Vehicles moving from the Guwahati side towards Kamrup/Lower Assam will continue to use the new Saraighat Bridge as usual.
Advisory for Commuters
Police have cautioned that the diversions are likely to cause traffic congestion and advised commuters to plan accordingly. Suggested measures include:
1. LMVs travelling from Lower Assam/Kamrup towards Upper Assam/Guwahati may opt for the new Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu route
2. Commuters heading to LGBI Airport from Lower Assam/Kamrup should start their journey well in advance
3. Motorists are advised to avoid the Jalukbari-Saraighat Bridge stretch where possible, given the likelihood of congestion
4. Lane driving must be strictly followed, with no overtaking permitted on the new Saraighat Bridge
Additionally, no vehicle will be allowed to park in the stretch from Jalukbari to Saraighat Bridge on either side during the repair period. However, public buses, emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire brigades, along with other LMVs, will continue to be allowed passage via the new Saraighat Bridge.
The advisory, jointly issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Guwahati, and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kamrup, noted that the regulations will be reviewed after July 31, following which further instructions will be issued.