Major Infrastructure Project Gets New Life
The long-delayed construction of the ambitious Jorhat-Majuli bridge is set to recommence in December, bringing an end to a year-long hiatus that had raised serious concerns about the project's future timeline. This crucial infrastructure initiative will connect Jorhat on the south bank of the Brahmaputra to Majuli, recognized as the world's largest river island, on the north bank.
Project History and New Contractor
Work on the significant 8.25-kilometre bridge came to an abrupt halt in September 2024 when the original contractor, UP State Bridge Corporation Ltd, surrendered the project after completing only 32% of the work. This development stalled the entire project that was initially scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
Following a fresh tender process conducted by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), the remaining construction work has now been awarded to Haryana-based SPS Construction India Pvt Ltd. The new contract issued by the Union ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) includes a critical condition that prohibits any sub-contracting, a measure specifically designed to prevent the delays that hampered the project during its initial phase.
Official Confirmation and Timeline
The project's revival was officially confirmed after a high-level site inspection conducted on Sunday by Majuli MLA Bhuban Gam, PWD (NH Works) chief engineer Debajit Das, and Majuli district commissioner Ratul Chandra Pathak.
Speaking to reporters, MLA Bhuban Gam announced that the new contractor has already begun mobilizing resources at the bridge site. "The new contractor has already moved men and machinery to the bridge site and work will start from December. Ground work has been completed," Gam stated. He also confirmed that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who originally launched the bridge's construction on November 29, 2021, will be present for the official restart ceremony in December.
PWD chief engineer Debajit Das provided a clear and accelerated timeline for the project's completion, confirming that work on both the main bridge and the 19.5-kilometre, four-lane approach roads will be executed simultaneously.
"The main bridge has been re-sanctioned and the tender approved. The contractor is ready to begin work. The chief minister has directed acceleration of the project. Two years have been allotted for completing the project, but it may finish even earlier," the chief engineer explained.
He further revealed that the bridge component will cost Rs 659 crore, with an additional Rs 194 crore sanctioned for the approach roads.
Significance for Majuli Residents
The Jorhat-Majuli bridge represents a longstanding demand of Majuli's residents, who currently depend entirely on often-unreliable ferry services that face frequent disruptions, particularly during the monsoon season. The bridge promises to end the island's geographical isolation by providing all-weather connectivity, thereby boosting both economic and social development in the region.
The project's revival brings renewed hope to the people of Majuli, who have awaited this vital infrastructure connection for decades. The bridge is expected to transform transportation, commerce, and accessibility for the world's largest river island community.
