Sivasagar plans facelift for British-era Dikhow bridge
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Dibrugarh: Sivasagar DC Ayush Garg conducted an inspection of the ongoing beautification initiatives for the iconic British-era Dikhow bridge on Saturday, as part of the district administration's comprehensive efforts to preserve and enhance Sivasagar's historical monuments.
The 90-year-old vertical lift bridge, constructed in 1935 by Braithwaite and Co (India) Ltd of Calcutta (Kolkata), represents one of Assam's most significant pieces of colonial-era infrastructure. The steel structure spans 159 metres across the Dikhow river on Assam Trunk Road, measuring 4.88 metres in width. Its most distinctive feature was originally a 31-metre mid-span that could be lifted vertically to allow ships to pass through — a mechanism that proved crucial for trade routes during the British period.
The sophisticated lifting mechanism allowed ships to pass through, facilitating vital trade routes between Nazira town and Kolkata via the Dikhow and the Brahmaputra. Tea, machinery and other products were regularly transported through this waterway during the East India Company era, making the bridge a lifeline for regional commerce.
During the inspection, DC Garg emphasised the importance of scientifically appropriate conservation measures that respect the bridge's historical significance.
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"We need to understand the historical importance of this bridge and take measures that not only preserve its heritage value but also enhance its appeal as a tourist destination," Garg said during the site visit.
Additional DC Geetalee Dowarah, along with other departmental officers and staff, accompanied the DC during the assessment. The team evaluated various aspects of the beautification project, focusing on measures that would maintain the structural integrity, while improving aesthetic appeal.
"The lifting mechanism was once the bridge's most distinctive feature, showcasing the sophisticated infrastructure planning of the colonial era. While the mechanism is no longer functional, we're exploring ways to highlight this unique engineering marvel in our conservation efforts," said a PWD official present during the inspection.
Currently, the bridge serves limited traffic, having been restricted to pedestrians and two-wheelers after the state govt constructed a parallel bridge for four-wheeler traffic.
Despite reduced vehicular usage, the structure has gained popularity as a photography destination among tourists visiting Sivasagar, with many drawn to its historical significance and architectural uniqueness.
The conservation initiative for the Dikhow bridge forms part of a comprehensive beautification programme launched by the district administration. Recently there have seen similar enhancement efforts for other historical monuments throughout Sivasagar, including the famous Rang Ghar, Kareng Ghar, Talatal Ghar, Shiva Dol, and Sivasagar Lake.
"Our goal is to create a cohesive heritage tourism circuit that showcases the glory and pride of historic Sivasagar district. Each monument tells a unique story of our past, and proper preservation ensures these stories continue for future generations," DC Garg said.
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