At a time of steel and iron, villagers in Assam's Sribhumi still dependent on bamboo bridge for daily commute

Even after 78 years of India’s Independence, several villages in the Phetipat area of Dullabhchora under Ramkrishnanagar Constituency continue to battle infrastructural neglect. In the era of digital transformation and nationwide development, residents here still depend on a fragile bamboo bridge as their only means of daily commute.

Despite repeated pleas to local representatives, including the MLA, MP, and district administration, no concrete bridge has been constructed so far. Locals allege that their demands have been consistently ignored, leaving the community isolated and vulnerable.

The bamboo bridge, constructed with villagers’ own contributions, connects around three to four villages and is used by more than a thousand residents daily, including school-going children. However, the structure remains at constant risk. During the monsoon season, the Singla River’s strong currents wash the bridge away, forcing people to undertake risky journeys by boat. In winter, when water levels recede, some residents are compelled to wade through the river on foot.

The absence of proper road connectivity also means emergency vehicles cannot reach the area. Transporting critically ill patients to healthcare facilities becomes a daunting challenge, putting lives at risk.

A student and several villagers have now renewed their appeal to the government, urging the construction of a permanent bridge that would enable safer travel and finally bring the region on par with modern development standards. They hope authorities will respond before another season of hardship arrives.