Old over-bridge: Ancient landmark in need of attention

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 25 : The present generation, or even the past, can be excused for not knowing or being curious at the historical label of one of Dimapur city’s most ancient—if often ignored—landmarks.

Simply called the ‘old over-bridge’ or ‘Dimapur over-bridge,’ it links Burma Camp to the Golaghat Road. It is assumed that the bridge is one of the first completed bridges in northeast India. The structure is now in its 44th year since its inauguration and perhaps even qualifies as a heritage for modern Dimapur.

Sadly, the bridge is now a picture of complete neglect and dilapidation—and almost on the verge of encroachment at its either end. There are already mud ramps being made to connect to the bridge with its side ramparts broken either by accident or intention.

The old over-bridge has been standing strong as a lifeline since its inauguration in January 1973 by the then-minister Koramoa Jamir (according to a defaced plaque at the site). Today, the bridge is having its share of the negligence and infrastructural breakdown being seen throughout Nagaland.

The bridge has lost its glory to dilapidation–crumbling railings, broken ground slabs, and thick sand on its surface.

Even though it offers vital interstate connectivity especially for heavy passenger vehicles and cargo carriers, the bridge remains neglected compared to its newer younger addition, the “new flyover”, which is located a few metres down south.

The old over-bridge also serves as a vital link not only within the town but forms part of the main highway exchange for Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur. It was originally part of National Highway 39 that connected Numaligarh in Assam to Moreh in Manipur, passing through Nagaland.

Today, with new infrastructure coming up, the old over-bridge is in utter neglect and its history forgotten let alone even to receive a touch-up. According to citizens, the bridge was built somewhere during the ‘60s. It is a huge marker for the history of the commercial city.

A trader residing close to the over-bridge said that since the time he can remember, the bridge, ‘the oldest and the first bridge of the state,’ had not received any kind of development but had been ‘suffering.’

Strangely, the bridge remains without an overseeing authority as Eastern Mirror tried to reach the state’s PWD department and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for its initial construction data. Both washed their hands off the matter and pointed fingers at each other’s department.

Also, the current safety grade and worthiness of the bridge could not be ascertained because no data could be found from the departments or the probable agencies.

The bridge presents a picture of neglect due to lack of repairs; the manifold increase in the volume of traffic is adding to its woes.The old bridge, faithful but wearing out slowly, remains in need of attention.