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Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Sivasagar plans facelift for British-era Dikhow bridge
1 2 3 4 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ask A Pro: "I'm 70 with $1.4M in IRAs. Should I convert $120K/Year to a Roth?" SmartAsset Undo "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. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Citizens, political leaders rally to save British-era bridge in Sivasagar
Dibrugarh: A groundswell of opposition has emerged in Sivasagar against proposals to demolish the iconic Dikhow bridge. Citizens, organisations, and political leaders have joined forces to demand the preservation and restoration of the 90-year-old British-era structure that has served as a nostalgic landmark for generations. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The vertical lift bridge, constructed in 1935 by Braithwaite and Co (India) Ltd of Calcutta, spans the River Dikhow on AT Road and represents a significant piece of Assam's colonial-era infrastructure. The steel structure, measuring 159 metres in length and 4.88 metres in width, was originally designed with a 31-metre mid-span that could be lifted to allow ships to pass through — a mechanism that facilitated tradeduring British rule. During the East India Company era, it served as a vital link in the transportation network, with machinery and tea being shipped between Nazira town and Kolkata via the Dikhow and Brahmaputra rivers. The lifting mechanism, once the bridge's most distinctive feature, has become non-functional over the decades. However, the bridge's future became uncertain when a handful of citizens recently submitted a memorandum to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma requesting its demolition and replacement with a new structure. The proposal has triggered widespread opposition from various quarters of society. "We demand the preservation of this heritage bridge. Any step to dismantle the bridge will be opposed. Its demolition would mean erasing a chapter of Assam's history," said Rupak Bhuyan, president of Gana Kantha, Sivasagar, whose organisation recently submitted a memorandum to the CM calling for the bridge's renovation. Currently, the bridge serves limited vehicular traffic, having been closed to four-wheelers after state govt constructed a parallel bridge. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Nevertheless, it remains accessible to pedestrians and two-wheelers, though usage has declined over the years. The structure has found new life as a popular photography and selfie destination for visitors to Sivasagar. Residents recall the bridge's golden years when it bustled with activity, serving as a crucial artery for commerce and daily life. "This bridge has witnessed generations of our families crossing it. It's more than just a infrastructure, it's part of our collective memory. It represents our historical connection to the past and must be protected for future generations," said Manoj Kumar Borthakur, president of Sivasagar Citizens' Forum. The controversy has drawn attention from across the political spectrum. Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi has publicly said he "won't allow the dismantling of the British-era Dikhow bridge", while Congress leader and Nazira MLA Debabrata Saikia, who serves as leader of the opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, has written to CM Sarma advocating for the bridge's preservation.
