GUWAHATI: Assam State Finance and Health Minister Himanata Biswa Sarma on Sunday inaugurated the three newly constructed foot over-bridges in Kamakhya, Dispur, Khanapara, areas of Guwahati.
The Kamakhya Gate foot-over bridge was inaugurated at 9 in the morning. Following the first inauguration, the footbridges at Ganeshguri near Kar Bhawan was inaugurated by 9.30 am and the one at Khanapara was inaugurated by 10 am.
The length of the bridge is 31.40 meters. The footbridge in Khanapara will also serve as an entry landmark to the city and has a sign saying 'Welcome to Guwahati' over it. It was constructed using bamboo.
Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the decision to construct 9 foot-bridges across the city was taken on February 1 last year. By March 31 this year, all the foot-bridges will be operational.
According to reports, the Khanapara bridge has the highest bid among the varying budgets for the construction of all the bridges.
The minister also expressed concern over citizens spitting tobacco on the bridges, dividers and pavements. Sarma urged people to keep their city clean.
Earlier this month, on February 1, Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated two foot-over bridges in the city. These two bridges are located at Ganeshguri, near Apollo Hospital and Christian Basti, near the post office in the city. the bridges will be operational 24*7. The escalator and lift services will be operational between 7 AM to 2 AM on a daily basis.
These two automated, wheelchair friendly foot over bridges has been completed at a sanctioned cost of Rs. 10,06,71,000. these foot overbridges have been constructed with Switzerland technology. The bridges will be under 24 hours CCTV surveillance.
Notably, under the 'Asom Mala' scheme, 42 new routes will be constructed and the tender for 7 roads have already been completed. The Aso Mala scheme was launched on February 7 in Dhekiajuli in Sonitpur district.