A critical railway bridge in Assam’s Dhemaji district collapsed on Sunday, June 28, 2026, due to unprecedented rainfall and subsequent flooding. The collapse has halted train services between Murkongselek and Silapathar, impacting regional connectivity. Officials cite extreme weather as the primary cause, underscoring the vulnerability of aging infrastructure to climate change.
A section of a railway bridge in Assam’s Dhemaji district gave way on Sunday, June 28, 2026, plunging into the swollen waters below. The incident occurred following several days of relentless heavy rainfall, which has caused severe flooding across the region. The collapse has led to the immediate suspension of all train operations on the line connecting Murkongselek and Silapathar under the Tinsukia division.
Northeast Frontier Railways officials stated that the bridge, originally constructed in 1965, was considered to be in good condition prior to the event. However, the intense rainfall, exceeding 110 mm in 24 hours in some areas, caused significant erosion of the river bank. This erosion destabilized one of the bridge’s piers, leading to its eventual collapse.
“There is no damage to any train or injury to any person,” confirmed a railway spokesperson. “This is a low-traffic branch line, and all traffic was already stopped beforehand due to the heavy flooding of the river.”
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that approximately 15,483 people in Dhemaji district alone have been affected by the ongoing floods, with the total number affected across the state reaching 22,124 as of Sunday evening. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, “We are deploying a whole-of-government approach and mobilising all our resources to prioritise the immediate safety and long-term rehabilitation of all families affected.”
The incident highlights a growing concern over the impact of extreme weather events on critical infrastructure. Similar infrastructure failures have been reported globally, including bridge collapses in India and China, and dam failures in the United States and Ukraine, often exacerbated by severe weather.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. While train services are suspended, efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage and to plan for necessary repairs. The immediate focus remains on managing the ongoing flood crisis and ensuring the safety of affected populations.
Further updates on the repair timeline and the resumption of train services will be provided as they become available. The long-term implications for the region’s infrastructure resilience in the face of climate change are also being considered.
Emergency Contact: Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) – Contact details can be found on their official website.
Social Media Verification: Reports and images of the bridge collapse have been circulating widely on social media platforms. Official statements from the Northeast Frontier Railways and ASDMA corroborate these reports.
