The construction of a rail-road bridge over the Brahmaputra River close to the already-existing Saraighat Bridge in Guwahati has been given the green light by the Union Transport Ministry for 996.75 crore. The National Highways.
Authority of India and the Ministry of Railways will split the project’s cost. However, NHAI will be responsible for paying the entire $322 crore cost of building approaches and viaducts. Vehicle traffic would have smooth & strategic connectivity across the river once the bridge is finished.
In a significant infrastructure development, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has approved a ₹996.75 crore project to construct a new rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra River near the existing Saraighat Bridge in Guwahati, Assam. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity between the river’s north and south banks, thereby facilitating smoother transportation and bolstering economic activities in the region.
Project Overview
The approved bridge will serve both rail and road traffic, strategically positioned adjacent to the current Saraighat Bridge—the first bridge to span the Brahmaputra River in Assam. The project’s total estimated cost of ₹996.75 crore will be a collaborative financial effort between the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Railways. Notably, the NHAI will solely fund the construction of approaches and viaducts, amounting to ₹322 crore.
Enhancing Regional Connectivity
The Brahmaputra River, a vital waterway in Assam, has historically presented challenges to seamless transportation due to its vast width and strong currents. The existing Saraighat Bridge, inaugurated in 1962, has been the primary conduit for vehicular and rail movement across the river in Guwahati. However, with increasing traffic volumes—currently exceeding 75,000 Passenger Car Units (PCUs) daily—the need for an additional bridge has become imperative to alleviate congestion and ensure uninterrupted transit.
Strategic Importance
The new rail-cum-road bridge is poised to play a crucial role in the broader development agenda of the northeastern region. By providing an alternative crossing over the Brahmaputra, the bridge will enhance logistical efficiency, reduce travel time, and support the movement of goods and passengers. This infrastructure project aligns with the Prime Minister’s Gati Shakti initiative, which focuses on expediting and streamlining national infrastructure development to foster economic growth.
Official Endorsements
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced the project’s approval, emphasizing its alignment with the Gati Shakti vision. He highlighted that the bridge would significantly improve connectivity between the north and south banks of the Brahmaputra River, directly impacting Guwahati’s transportation network.
Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressed gratitude for the central government’s continued focus on the northeast’s development. He acknowledged the bridge’s approval as a pivotal step forward in enhancing the state’s infrastructure and connectivity.
The sanctioning of the new rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra River near the existing Saraighat Bridge marks a significant milestone in Assam’s infrastructural advancement. This project is expected to not only decongest the existing traffic but also stimulate economic activities by providing a robust transportation link. As the project progresses, it promises to contribute substantially to the region’s socio-economic development and integration with the broade.
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Construction, Infrastructure and Mining
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