By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 7: Cabinet Minister and Phulbari MLA, AT Mondal, announced that the much-awaited Dhubri-Phulbari bridge, set to become India’s second-longest bridge over water after the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, will significantly boost the economy of Garo Hills and the state at large.
The 19-km-long bridge, slated for completion by 2028, is currently under active construction. Mondal emphasised the anticipated economic benefits, noting that the bridge will reduce travel time to North Bengal by approximately 50 kilometres, cutting the journey to Siliguri to just 5-6 hours.
Mondal highlighted that the bridge will complete a critical segment of National Highway 127B, thereby linking Dhubri to Tura, Nongstoin, and other towns in western and central Meghalaya by road. Initiated between 2019 and 2020, the civil works for the bridge are progressing well.
With an estimated total cost of Rs 4,997 crore, the project aims to address the long-standing transportation needs of residents in Assam and Meghalaya, who currently rely on ferry services to cross the river.
Additionally, Mondal mentioned the Meghalaya government’s efforts to establish a road and railway corridor from Mahendraganj to Hili in Bangladesh, stating that discussions are advancing.
If successful, this project would offer a shorter route connecting the entire Northeast to Kolkata, he added.
The Railway Board has recently approved the Final Location Survey for new international connectivity projects aimed at enhancing the Chicken-neck area. One of these projects includes the construction of a 250-km new railway line from Balurghat-Hili-Gaibandha-Mahendraganj-Tura-Mendipathar.