By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 8: The construction of the four-lane Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge is progressing as planned with some “minor” delays on the Meghalaya side, Cabinet Minister and Phulbari legislator Abu Taher Mondal said on Wednesday.
He did not disclose the issue(s) leading to the delay on the Meghalaya side.
Mondal said about 35 pillars of the bridge have been completed on the Assam side, where the work is progressing smoothly. “Officials have assured timely completion in the Meghalaya side unless there are any unforeseen incidents,” he added.
Despite the delay on the Meghalaya side, the bridge is targeted for completion by 2028.
The bridge, spanning the Brahmaputra River between Assam and Meghalaya, is billed as a transformative project for terrestrial communication in India’s Northeast region.
The length of the bridge is 19.3 km, which would make it the longest river bridge in the country. It will have 199 pillars supporting the massive structure.
The bridge will significantly reduce travel distances, especially between Phulbari in Meghalaya and Dhubri in Assam. It will shorten travel by more than 200 km, improving connectivity.
It is said that the bridge will facilitate better logistic support, easier transportation of goods, and enhanced economic activities. It will also serve as the western entry and exit point for the state, opening up new trade routes and boosting regional development.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to handle major traffic heading towards Guwahati, reducing congestion and improving connectivity within the region.
Mondal said the bridge is being positioned as a major game changer for the Northeast.
“Overall, the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge is not just an infrastructural development but also a cornerstone for regional economic advancement, expected to catalyse growth and bring significant improvements in both transportation and trade in the Northeastern region,” he said.