The Deputy Commissioner of Mon District has said that the old bridge over Pongma River will be “decommissioned with immediate effect” in view of its dilapidated condition. The bridge, which is the “interstate lifeline for Mon and Namtola (Charaideo)” is “unserviceable and hazardous for commuters and vehicles”, DC Ajit Kumar Verma added in the Travel Advisory issued on Monday.

He informed that the dismantling of the existing Mon-Namtola bridge over Pongma river (Hamilton bridge), and construction of new bailey bridge (ch-177+000) at Namtola-Mon-Tizit Road at NH 702, will begin with effect from 1st February 2024.

Therefore, normal vehicular movement from Namtola to Tizit will remain suspended for four months with effect from 1st February 2024 at 9:00 am onwards till 31st May 2024. During this duration, light, medium and passenger vehicles have been advised to take an alternate route via Namtola Charali (Assam)-Lahdoigarh-Jaboka-Pentom Junction (Tizit/Mon).

Further, in view of the limited load capacity of the steel girder bridge at the abovementioned alternate route, transporters and transport associations are advised to strictly adhere to the stipulated weight limit (7 tons) of the bridge, the Advisory stated.