The Pakam Colony suspension bridge over the Subansiri River in Upper Subansiri district is on the verge of collapse due to its deteriorating condition, prompting local residents to urge the government and district administration to take immediate action. The bridge’s structure has been weakened over the years, with several parts becoming severely rusted, making it unsafe for public use. Thousands of people continue to use the bridge daily despite the risks, and any delay in repairing, replacing, or restricting access to the bridge could lead to a major tragedy. The public has appealed to the authorities concerned to prioritise safety measures and initiate urgent action before any unfortunate incident occurs.
The bridge serves as a vital lifeline for thousands of residents living on the opposite bank of the Subansiri River, connecting several villages in Dumporijo constituency with Daporijo. It is used daily by villagers, commuters, students, and other members of the public for their routine activities. According to officials of the Public Works Department (PWD), the department has already declared the bridge unfit for pedestrian movement owing to its dilapidated state.
A formal letter has been submitted to the deputy commissioner, requesting the immediate closure of the bridge to prevent any untoward incident. However, no response has yet been received from the district administration. While both major and minor maintenance works have been carried out regularly, the bridge has already completed more than two decades of service, and despite periodic repairs, the department cannot guarantee its structural durability any longer.
