A Glimpse into the Progress of the Ambitious Brahmaputra Bridge Project
Guwahati to Witness Improved Connectivity and Economic Growth with New Infrastructure
Guwahati, Assam, November 4 (City Times): (Brahmaputra Bridge) : A major infrastructure project aimed at bridging the gap between the north and south banks of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati has reached a significant milestone, with 78% of the construction work completed, according to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The project, which promises enhanced connectivity and economic development for the region, is progressing well. The overall project cost is expected to be Rs 2,608.68 crore.
So far, a total of Rs 2,104 crore has been allocated to the project, with an additional Rs 450 crore budgeted for the year 2023-24, of which Rs 175 crore has already been released.
Guwahati already boasts a bridge over the Brahmaputra, and this new bridge, situated a few kilometers away, will offer an alternative route to the city. The under-construction bridge will significantly reduce the distance between Guwahati city and important institutions like AIIMS and IIT, both located on the north bank.
CM Sarma also shared details about the proposed Guwahati Ring Road Project. This project aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the city, positioning Guwahati as a gateway to Southeast Asia. “The Assam Government will bear 50% of the land costs for this 121 km landmark project, which is estimated to cost Rs 5,800 crore,” said CM Sarma.
The proposed ring road will play a crucial role in decongesting Guwahati city, serving as an alternate route for traffic coming from West Bengal and Bihar towards Silchar, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura, as they enter Guwahati. One of its highlights will be a 3-km long, 6-lane bridge over the Brahmaputra, connecting Kurua and Narengi.
In a significant boost to the state’s road transport network, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, in the presence of Assam CM on November 2, laid the foundation stones and inaugurated 26 national highway projects worth a total investment of Rs 17,500 crore. Chief Minister Sarma had previously urged Union Road Transport Minister Gadkari to prioritize the construction of the proposed ring road in Guwahati, to which Gadkari gave his in-principle approval during the event.
CM Sarma also requested the Union Road Transport Minister to build a 32-km long elevated corridor at Kaziranga, aimed at reducing wildlife fatalities. Union Minister Gadkari, in response, assured that the elevated corridor would soon become a reality, with a detailed project report in the works.
Chief Minister Sarma expressed hope for the expedited construction of a tunnel under the Brahmaputra River, connecting Gohpur on the north bank with Numaligarh on the south bank. He also appealed to the Union Road Transport Minister for a Rs. 500 crore allocation from the central fund for projects under the Asom Mala scheme. Gadkari announced an approval of Rs. 600 crore, exceeding the requested amount by Rs. 100 crore.
In conclusion, the progress on the Brahmaputra Bridge project in Guwahati represents a significant step forward in improving connectivity and reducing travel time between the city and key institutions on the north bank. Additionally, the proposed Guwahati Ring Road Project is poised to alleviate traffic congestion and boost the city’s prospects as a gateway to Southeast Asia. The commitment of both state and central governments to invest in these critical infrastructure projects demonstrates a shared vision for a more connected and prosperous Assam.
