In a major boost to Northeast India’s infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, a state-of-the-art bridge spanning the mighty Brahmaputra River in Guwahati. This 2.86-kilometer, six-lane extradosed pre-stressed concrete marvel connects Guwahati with North Guwahati, slashing travel time between the two banks to just seven minutes.
Built at a cost of approximately Rs 3,030 crore, the bridge stands as the first of its kind in the Northeast, employing cutting-edge extradosed technology. Designed with seismic resilience in mind for this earthquake-prone zone, it features base isolation using friction pendulum bearings. High-performance stay cables ensure structural integrity over decades, while a sophisticated Bridge Health Monitoring System (BHMS) provides real-time surveillance, early damage detection, and enhanced safety.
The inauguration underscores Modi’s vision for seamless connectivity in the region. ‘This bridge is not just steel and concrete; it’s a lifeline linking dreams and development,’ Modi remarked, highlighting its role in economic growth and easier commutes for millions.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi also launched the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on National Highway in Moran, Dibrugarh district. This pioneering 4.2-km concrete stretch serves as an alternative runway for both military and civilian aircraft, crucial when Dibrugarh Airport or Chabua Air Force Station are unavailable. The Indian Air Force dazzled the crowd with an air show featuring Rafale, Sukhoi, and MiG fighters executing flawless takeoffs and landings on the highway strip.
Around 1 lakh spectators witnessed the historic event, which bolsters India’s military preparedness along sensitive border areas. Officials hail it as a strategic leap for rapid response capabilities in the Northeast. The dual inaugurations signal a new era of infrastructure and defense synergy, propelling Assam towards prosperity.