A woman jumped off Katigorah Rail Bridge into Barak River on Friday morning to escape an oncoming train. The woman, whose identity remains unknown, was critically injured but miraculously rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) team stationed nearby.
The Badarpur-Katigorah connecting Gammon Bridge closed a month ago due to ongoing repair of the bridge. That’s why Cachar Administration launched ferry services through the river between Siddheshwar Ghat (Katigorah) and Badarpur Ghat. While due to long queues and a limited number of boats, many residents are risking their lives by taking the faster but extremely dangerous route via the Katigorah railway bridge. Locals, desperate to commute, have been using the railway bridge despite repeated warnings that it is unsafe and not meant for pedestrian use.
Eyewitnesses Describe Terrifying Scene
According to onlookers, the woman was halfway across the bridge when she spotted a speeding train heading in her direction. With no time to run back or forward, she made the split-second decision to leap off the bridge into the river below.
Fortunately, an SDRF and F&ES rescue team — strategically positioned at the site since the Gammon Bridge’s temporary closure — responded instantly. The woman was pulled from the Barak River alive but in critical condition. She was immediately transported to a nearby Model Hospital and later referred to Silchar Medical College & Hospital for further treatment.
Officials Urge Public to Avoid Railway Tracks
Authorities have repeatedly warned that the railway bridge is not safe for pedestrians. “This bridge is meant solely for train movement. Walking on it is highly dangerous, especially with the frequency of trains on this route,” a railway official said.
The identity of the woman is still being verified, and authorities are urging residents to use the official ferry service until the Gammon Bridge reopens.
Gammon Bridge Reopening Date
As per the Cachar administration, the Gammon Bridge is expected to reopen by July 20, restoring safe and direct connectivity between Katigorah and Badarpur.
