Mariani (Assam) [India], April 1 (ANI): Many schoolchildren from Naopam and Moran villages in Assam are facing the prospect of another academic year disrupted by the absence of a bridge over the Soitai River.

Currently at a low level, the river is expected to overflow as rains begin in April, cutting off the primary route to local schools and forcing students to take long detours.

Villagers living on both sides of the river are facing serious daily challenges due to the lack of connectivity. Residents say that the bridge over the river was washed away by strong currents three years ago and has not yet been rebuilt.

A fifth-grade student expressed his wish for a permanent bridge over the river. 'In April, the river overflows and going to and from gets difficult. A pull should be built,' he said.

Another resident demonstrated how locals currently cross the river, highlighting the daily struggle faced by villagers.

Responding to the long-standing issue, Mariani MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi acknowledged the problem and assured that construction work for a new bridge has already begun.

'We have started working on a bridge. I believe that it will be built in 6-8 months... There was only a wooden bridge made by a Panchayat there before. That was broken, but now it will be made new,' Kurmi told ANI.

Running for a sixth term, Kurmi is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the Mariani Assembly seat in the upcoming Assam polls, having already served as its MLA for five consecutive terms.

The polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly. The BJP government will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to defeat the ruling party to return to power. (ANI)

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India has introduced a 'vote from home' facility for the Assam Legislative Assembly elections 2026, enabling senior citizens and persons with disabilities to cast their votes without visiting polling stations. (ANI)