Rural transport plays a crucial role in fulfilling more than half of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aligning with the 2030 Agenda’s principle of “leaving no one behind.” It is a key enabler for food security and the eradication of hunger. It is essential for ensuring seamless access to markets, education, healthcare, employment opportunities, agricultural productivity and more.
In the village of Cha-Bari Gaon, located in Dhemaji district, Assam, a bamboo bridge once served as a lifeline for the community. For years, it was the only reliable route for villagers to access markets, upper primary schools, and medical facilities. However, the bridge was destroyed two years ago, leaving the community isolated during the monsoon season when the Tangani River flooded. On one occasion, six students fell from the broken bridge. While most sustained minor injuries, one girl suffered a severe spinal injury that continues to affect her life today.
This year, the villagers decided to take matters into their own hands after being motivated, enabled and empowered by our field team. The community came together, working tirelessly to repair the 360-foot-long bridge with a width of 7.4 feet and were rewarded with ‘Cloth for Work- Rahat’ kits.
Truckloads of cloth in Chennai after the 2005 Tsunami
The completion of the bridge was more than just a physical achievement; it symbolized self-reliance. The villagers now were assured that their children can safely attend school, and they no longer have to depend on unreliable boat crossings. For the people of Cha-Bari Gaon, this bridge is a testament to their unwavering determination and unity in overcoming adversity.
The restoration of the Cha-Bari Gaon bridge is a testament to how the road to sustainable development begins with connectivity. Investing in safe and reliable rural transport is not just about mobility—it is about ensuring food security, driving economic growth, and filling the gap of multidimensional poverty.
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