Infrastructure gap exposed in Assam's Margherita as villagers cross dilapidated bamboo bridge

Even after nearly eight decades of India’s Independence, residents of several villages in Assam’s Tinsukia district continue to rely on a fragile bamboo bridge for daily commuting, highlighting what locals describe as a glaring example of the lack of development in the 83rd Margherita Legislative Assembly Constituency.

The issue has come to the forefront in Toklong village under Ledo, where residents have been demanding the construction of a permanent bridge for years. The bamboo structure, which currently serves as the only connecting route, links several villages under the Kumchai Gaon Panchayat, including Ledo 1 No. Toklong, Hawai Pathar, Bisagaon and Hasak.

According to local residents, the absence of a proper bridge has caused severe hardship for villagers who must cross the makeshift structure every day for work, education, healthcare and other essential needs. Despite repeated appeals to the authorities, no concrete steps have been taken to build a permanent bridge.

Villagers allege that the situation reflects administrative neglect and accuse local public representatives of failing to address a long-standing demand. They claim that multiple applications and memorandums have been submitted to Bhaskar Sharma, the MLA of the Margherita constituency, urging immediate intervention. However, residents say their pleas have received little attention.

Locals also criticised the development claims of the government, stating that the promise of accelerated infrastructure under the BJP’s “double-engine government” has not translated into action on the ground in their area.

The condition of the bamboo bridge has raised serious safety concerns, particularly for students. A large number of school and college students are forced to cross the unstable structure every day, often risking accidents during the monsoon season when the bamboo walkway becomes slippery and weak.

Residents of the affected villages have now renewed their demand for the immediate construction of a permanent bridge, warning that continued neglect could endanger lives and further isolate the region.

For the people of Toklong and neighbouring villages, the bamboo bridge remains not just a route of passage but a stark symbol of a development gap that they say has persisted for generations.