Tinsukia, April 26: Rising tourist footfall at Assam’s iconic Dr Bhupen Hazarika Setu in Tinsukia district has sparked safety concerns, with visitors increasingly engaging in risky behaviour while attempting to take photographs on the busy stretch.
Scenes reported on Sunday, April 26, showed tourists and locals leaning over railings and stepping onto the roadway of the 9.15-km bridge spanning the Lohit River, even as vehicles continued to move at speed. The bridge, the longest river bridge in India, has emerged as a popular weekend destination, but authorities warn that unsafe conduct is becoming a recurring issue.
Visitors acknowledged the growing trend of capturing “daring” images, often overlooking basic safety precautions. One tourist from Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh admitted that while the visit was meant for leisure, members of the group ventured dangerously close to the edge in pursuit of dramatic photographs.
Officials cautioned that the risks are significant. A senior district official noted that the bridge is designed for transit and not for stunts, highlighting the dangers posed by strong winds and fast-moving traffic.
Local residents have also raised concerns over repeated incidents. Many said such behaviour has become common during weekends, warning that even a minor misstep could lead to serious consequences.
Police and bridge authorities are now considering stricter monitoring and awareness measures to discourage unsafe practices. The bridge serves as a vital connectivity link between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, and officials emphasised that it should not turn into a site of preventable accidents.
