Dibrugarh: The much-anticipated Jorhat-Majuli bridge over the Brahmaputra River is progressing steadily, with District Commissioner of Jorhat, Jay Shivani, conducting a detailed field inspection on Saturday. The visit aimed to review the progress of this long-awaited project, which is set to transform connectivity for over two lakh residents of Majuli.
Field Inspection and Review Meeting
During the visit, the DC held a review meeting with officials from the Public Works Department (National Highways) and representatives of the construction firm, M/s SPS Construction India Private Limited. The executive engineer of PWD briefed the DC on the project's background, current status, and the roadmap for completing the work within the stipulated timeframe.
The DC laid special emphasis on ensuring timely deployment of resources and machinery to maintain the pace of construction. He also assured that the Jorhat district administration would extend full cooperation to address any obstacles or difficulties that may arise during the work.
"It is essential that this bridge is completed within the given timeframe. The district administration is fully committed to supporting the construction agency in resolving any ground-level challenges that come up. We will ensure that no administrative hurdle slows down this work," the DC said.
Technical and Equipment Review
Engineers of the construction firm took the DC around the casting yard set up for the pre-construction casting of bridge segments. He also observed the ongoing construction work in the river channel and at the well foundation sites. The DC was further briefed on the state-of-the-art equipment and technical arrangements deployed by the construction agency to maintain both the speed and quality of the work.
Project Details and Significance
The Jorhat-Majuli bridge, estimated to cost Rs 925 crore, will stretch approximately 8 km across the Brahmaputra and feature 72 pillars, forming a permanent link between Jorhat and Majuli. The project had its 'bhoomi pujan' in 2021, performed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and is widely regarded as a lifeline for Majuli, which is also known as the satra capital of Assam.
Earlier Setbacks and Resumption
The project faced significant setbacks earlier, with construction coming to a halt towards the end of 2024 due to a dispute between the earlier construction agencies — UP State Bridge Corporation Ltd (UPSBCL) and Badri Rai Company (BRC) — as well as technical issues. Work resumed in January 2026 under a fresh tender awarded to SPS Construction India Private Limited, with a target of completion within two years.
Community Expectations
Residents of both Jorhat and Majuli have long pinned their hopes on the bridge, which promises to end the dependence on ferry services that remain vulnerable to floods, rough weather, and the shifting channels of the Brahmaputra. The bridge is expected to significantly improve access to education, healthcare, and markets for the island district's population.
