Assam railway bridge collapses in Dhemaji district during heavy rains

Heavy rainfall of more than 110 mm in Assam's Dhemaji district caused severe riverbank erosion, leading to the partial collapse of a railway bridge over the Simen River. The bridge, built in 1965 and later converted to broad gauge, was reported to be in safe condition until a pier became unstable after the riverbank washed away. No trains were damaged and there were no injuries, but the low‑traffic branch line between Archipathar and Simen Chapari stations has been suspended. The Northeast Frontier Railway arranged bus services for passengers and opened help desks at Dhemaji, Silapathar and Murkongselek stations.

In a related incident, a newly built 300‑metre iron bridge linking Kemi and Oyan was washed away, cutting off connectivity for students and farmers. Residents criticized the bridge’s construction, noting that a permanent concrete structure had been recommended. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma deployed the Water Resources and Disaster Management ministers to Dhemaji to oversee relief and rehabilitation efforts.