64-Year-Old Saraighat Bridge Closure 2026: Two-Month Shutdown from July 13 for Urgent Repairs

Guwahati, July 7: The iconic 64-year-old Saraighat Bridge, one of Assam’s most important transport lifelines, will remain completely closed for nearly two months from July 13 to September 15, 2026, due to urgent structural repair works. The decision has been taken following technical concerns identified in the bridge, making immediate maintenance essential to ensure long-term public safety.

The announcement was made by Kamrup Metropolitan Deputy Commissioner Swapnil Paul during a press conference on Tuesday. The administration, in coordination with the Railway authorities, Assam Police, and the Transport Department, has already prepared an extensive traffic management plan to minimize inconvenience during the closure.

The Saraighat Bridge closure 2026 is expected to affect thousands of daily commuters and commercial vehicles that use the historic bridge connecting North and South Guwahati. However, officials have assured the public that the newer Kumar Bhaskar Varma Bridge (New Saraighat Bridge) will handle traffic during the repair period.

Why is the Old Saraighat Bridge Being Closed?

Constructed in 1962, the Old Saraighat Bridge has served Assam for over six decades. It remains one of the state’s most historically significant engineering landmarks, connecting Lower Assam with Upper Assam and playing a crucial role in passenger and freight movement.

According to officials, recent technical inspections detected structural issues that require immediate attention. Engineers have recommended urgent repair work to maintain the bridge’s structural integrity and ensure public safety.

Deputy Commissioner Swapnil Paul stated that postponing the repair work could pose greater risks in the future, making the temporary closure unavoidable.

Closure Dates

The Old Saraighat Bridge will remain closed for all vehicular movement during the following period:

Closure begins: July 13, 2026
Reopening expected: September 15, 2026
Duration: Approximately two months

During this period, no private vehicles, commercial vehicles, or public transport will be allowed to use the old bridge.

New Saraighat Bridge to Handle All Traffic

With the closure of the old bridge, authorities have decided that all eligible vehicles will be diverted through the New Saraighat Bridge (Kumar Bhaskar Varma Bridge).

Traffic police have prepared a comprehensive diversion strategy to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles entering and leaving Guwahati.

Officials believe that proper traffic management and public cooperation will help minimize congestion despite the increased traffic volume on the new bridge.

Heavy Vehicles Diverted via Kaliabor and Tezpur

One of the biggest changes during the repair period concerns heavy commercial vehicles.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Kamrup) Subhasish Baruah announced that heavy vehicles, including trucks transporting goods between Lower Assam and Upper Assam, will not be permitted to use the New Saraighat Bridge.

Instead, they will follow a longer diversion route:

Baihata Chariali
Tezpur
Kaliabor
Destination in Upper Assam

Similarly, trucks travelling from Upper Assam towards Dhubri and other Lower Assam districts must also follow the Kaliabor–Tezpur route before reaching Baihata Chariali.

This diversion has been planned to reduce traffic pressure on the New Saraighat Bridge and improve overall road safety.

Guidelines for Daily Commuters

The administration has advised commuters to carefully plan their journeys during the closure period.

People travelling to:

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
Government offices
Educational institutions
Competitive examinations
Hospitals

should leave significantly earlier than usual to avoid delays caused by increased traffic.

Authorities have warned that congestion may increase during peak office hours, particularly during the initial days after the closure.

Emergency Services to Continue

The administration has confirmed that emergency services will continue uninterrupted.

The following vehicles will be allowed to use the New Saraighat Bridge:

Ambulances
Fire service vehicles
Emergency response vehicles
Passenger buses
Essential public transport

This arrangement aims to ensure that emergency response times remain unaffected despite the temporary bridge closure.

Police Deployment Strengthened

To deal with the expected rise in traffic, the Assam Police will significantly strengthen deployment across major traffic corridors.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Jayanta Sarathi Bora stated that police teams will remain stationed at key locations to regulate vehicle movement efficiently.

Additionally, a dedicated rescue team will remain deployed between Boragaon and Changsari.

If any vehicle breaks down on the New Saraighat Bridge or nearby roads, officials say immediate towing and rescue services will be available to prevent prolonged traffic jams.

Strict Rules on the New Bridge

Authorities have also announced strict traffic regulations during the repair period.

Drivers using the New Saraighat Bridge must follow several important rules:

No overtaking will be permitted.
Temporary dividers will be installed.
Traffic police will monitor violations continuously.
Drivers must strictly follow lane discipline.
Heavy vehicles violating diversion orders may face legal action.

Officials believe these measures will greatly reduce accident risks while ensuring smoother traffic flow.

Importance of the Saraighat Bridge

The Saraighat Bridge occupies a special place in Assam’s history.

Apart from being an engineering landmark, it symbolises the state’s connectivity and development. For decades, it has linked the northern and southern banks of the Brahmaputra, enabling trade, education, healthcare access, tourism, and daily commuting.

Generations of Assamese people have relied on this bridge for work, business, and travel.

Although the upcoming closure may temporarily inconvenience commuters, experts agree that timely maintenance is necessary to preserve this historic structure for future generations.

Administration Appeals for Public Cooperation

The Kamrup Metropolitan District Administration has appealed to the public to cooperate fully during the repair period.

Officials have requested motorists to:

Follow official traffic advisories.
Start journeys early whenever possible.
Use designated diversion routes.
Avoid unnecessary travel during peak hours.
Cooperate with police personnel on duty.

Authorities believe public cooperation will be essential for the successful implementation of the temporary traffic arrangements.

Long-Term Benefits of the Repair Work

While the Old Saraighat Bridge repair may create temporary inconvenience, officials emphasize that the project is an investment in long-term safety and infrastructure sustainability.

The repair work is expected to:

Improve structural safety.
Extend the bridge’s operational lifespan.
Reduce future maintenance requirements.
Enhance public confidence in the bridge’s safety.
Preserve one of Assam’s most significant engineering landmarks.

Conclusion

The Saraighat Bridge closure 2026 marks one of the most significant traffic changes in Assam in recent years. Beginning July 13 and continuing until September 15, the 64-year-old bridge will undergo urgent structural repairs after technical issues were detected.

During the closure, commuters will rely on the New Saraighat Bridge, while heavy commercial vehicles will be diverted through Baihata Chariali, Tezpur, and Kaliabor. Emergency services and passenger buses will continue operating through the new bridge under strict traffic regulations.

Although the temporary shutdown may lead to delays and adjustments for thousands of travellers, authorities stress that these repairs are essential to ensure the safety, durability, and continued service of one of Assam’s most iconic transportation landmarks. Public cooperation, careful travel planning, and adherence to official traffic advisories will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth movement throughout the repair period.