PM Modi Inaugurates Historic Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu Bridge in Assam
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the much-anticipated Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, a monumental bridge spanning the majestic Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam. This event marks a historic milestone for connectivity in Northeast India, with over one lakh people gathering to witness the ceremony.
Bridge Specifications and Impact
Constructed at an estimated cost of ₹3,030 crore, the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu is a six-lane, 1.24-kilometre-long structure that connects Guwahati with North Guwahati. Once fully operational, it will dramatically reduce travel time between these two regions to just 7 minutes, a significant improvement from previous routes.
Engineering Marvel and Safety Features
The bridge is renowned for its innovative engineering and safety measures:
- Extradosed Design: Utilizing an extradosed prestressed concrete (PSC) design, the bridge offers greater strength and flexibility, making it ideal for long spans over wide rivers like the Brahmaputra.
- Seismic Safety: Given Assam's location in a high-seismic zone, the bridge incorporates base isolation technology with friction pendulum bearings to withstand earthquakes.
- Health Monitoring: A real-time Bridge Health Monitoring System (BHMS) is installed to detect any structural issues, ensuring ongoing safety and maintenance.
Historical and Regional Significance
The bridge is named after Kumar Bhaskar Varman, a famous ruler of the ancient Kamrupa Kingdom from the seventh century. It is the first extradosed PSC bridge in the Northeast, addressing the challenging environmental and terrain conditions of the Brahmaputra region, which stretches over 2,900 km as one of the world's longest rivers.
This project is transformative for Assam and the broader Northeast, enhancing local connectivity and economic prospects. Prior to this inauguration, PM Modi also launched an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the National Highway in Moran, Dibrugarh district, marking another first for the northeastern region.
