Constructed in 1965, the Pan Bazar Bridge in Guwahati has been a crucial road over bridge (ROB) connecting key areas of the city, adding substantial value to the Guwahati we see now.
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This bridge has been the sole connection between Pan Bazar and Paltan Bazar for almost six decades. It has helped commuters travel smoothly and face lesser traffic congestions. However, after 58 years of service, it had become necessary to dismantle and replace it due to various technical and structural problems.
“This bridge has been here since before I was born. I have grown up seeing it, which is why I was shocked to see it getting demolished down when I came back to Guwahati after 2 years. But I guess it was necessary, so we cannot really do anything about it”, said a resident.
Another resident of the Pan Bazar locality said, “It is for the best because the bridge was getting weaker by the day. Good they decided to take it down before it caused accidents or major problems.”
The decision to demolish the 58-year-old flyover and replace it with a new bridge of increased height was announced in February by the Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR).
The measure has been taken to comply with Indian Railways regulations, which stipulate a minimum distance of 6.25 meters between the rail and the track. The old Pan Bazar viaduct, which is 4.61m high, doesn’t meet this need.
NFR chief public relations officer Sabyasachi De said, “The existing old road over bridge was constructed in 1965, and 58 years has been completed in service, so its replacement is required considering the life cycle of the ROB, adding that moreover there are various technical reasons because of which the old rob bridge needs to be demolished and a new rob has to be constructed. This is an important step for the operations of electric locomotives as the existing over bridge was interrupting it.”
He added that the bridge’s lower elevation compared to the overhead equipment line, which carries 25kW of electric charge can be extremely hazardous for the people due to the proximity to the charged line.
Its demolition is also required considering its life cycle.
The entire process will take at least 18 months to complete and has started from March 9, 2024. Due to the demolition, Commuters in Guwahati face disruptions as the old Pan bazar Flyover has been barricaded and closed for vehicular movement.
Previously designated as a one-way road for those heading towards Vishal and Paltan Bazar, this flyover now functions as a two-way road until the completion of the new flyover. Making it a two-way flyover has increased the amount of traffic in this flyover.
The new bridge will solve the existing height and crossing problem, enable the train to move comfortably and safely, and prevent the train from sinking on the roads during rainy periods.
The closure marks a major step forward in resolving both safety and operational issues that align with the goal of modernising the city’s transportation and safety measures. Passengers are currently advised to plan alternative routes, while railways will close soon to reduce disruption.
Although the bridge stood strong for many decades, it is time to bid it goodbye so that we can welcome new changes that cater to the safety of everyone.