Guwahati's Landmark Bridge to Welcome Pedestrians First, Vehicles in March
Guwahati: In a significant announcement for Assam's infrastructure, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed on Wednesday that the much-anticipated Guwahati–North Guwahati bridge, officially named the Kumar Bhaskar Verma setu, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14. However, in a phased approach, the bridge will initially open exclusively for pedestrians, with vehicular traffic commencing only in early March.
Phased Opening to Manage Public Access and Congestion
Addressing the media, CM Sarma detailed that the bridge will be accessible to the public immediately after the inauguration, but solely for walking and sightseeing purposes. "People can access the bridge, but it will be open only for walking, as everyone would want to see the new bridge. Therefore, we have given people time until February to enjoy it. From March 1 or 2, vehicles will be allowed to ply on the bridge," he stated. This strategic move aims to allow residents to experience the structure without the immediate pressure of traffic.
Traffic Routing and Toll Policies Announced
Sarma further explained that while the bridge originates from the Gauripur area in North Guwahati, vehicles will initially be directed via IIT Guwahati to prevent congestion. This temporary routing is necessary because the trumpet interchange is still under construction and is expected to be completed by June. The bridge is intended primarily for small vehicles, which will not be subject to toll charges, whereas buses and trucks will incur fees. "We do not want buses and trucks to use this route; otherwise, there will be heavy congestion in the Fancy Bazar area," Sarma emphasized, highlighting efforts to manage urban traffic flow effectively.
Engineering Marvel and Funding Details
Constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 3,000 crore, the Kumar Bhaskar Verma setu represents a major engineering feat. According to the Assam government website, the bridge spans 1,600 metres across the river from the south bank to the north bank, featuring a 1,240-metre multi-span extra-dosed section. The project was submitted to the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance for funding from the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), underscoring its international financial backing and strategic importance.
This development marks a pivotal step in enhancing connectivity in the Northeast region, with the bridge set to become a key landmark in Guwahati's urban landscape.
