Assam PWD Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma takes stock of 7th bridge over Brahmaputra river, attends launch of pier foundation of bridge

The 8.3km long bridge that would connect Guwahati with North Guwahati is being built at an estimated cost of Rs 2,600 crore and is expected to be completed by August, 2023.

After attending the launch function, Sharma wrote on twitter, "Pleased to be present today at the launch of Cassion Foundation No. PY-2 of 7th bridge across the mighty #Brahmaputra connecting #Guwahati & North Guwahati. The 8.3km long bridge shall be built at Rs 2600 cr. It shall be completed by Aug 2023."

The bridge over the mighty Brahmaputra aims to reduce travel time from Guwahati to North Guwahati from around one hour to barely 10 minutes.

It will boost economic growth of Assam and adjoining states, Sharma added in his tweet."The bridge will be vital for North East as it will boost economic growth of #Assam & adjoining states. It will reduce travel time from Guwahati to North Guwahati & connecting NH31 junction to just 10 minutes, as against 45-60 minutes that it takes to travel now."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of the bridge on 9 February, 2019.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had done Bhumi Puja on March 2020.

Of the Rs 2,600 crore, Rs 2,100 crore has been borrowed from Asian Development Bank, Sarma said. The entire cost of the bridge will be borne by the central government.

Public Works Department (PWD) Secretary, Bibhuti Saikia, Chief Engineer Dilip Kumar Hazarika and other officials were present in the event today.