A New Era of Urban Development in Guwahati
Guwahati, a bustling city in the Indian state of Assam, has witnessed a significant milestone in its urban infrastructure development. Recently, a newly constructed flyover connecting Rukminigaon Road and Bormotoria Link Road at Downtown Point was inaugurated by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. This impressive structure, completed in just nine months—half the originally sanctioned period of eighteen months—stands as a testament to rapid and efficient construction.
The flyover, which spans 660 meters and features four lanes, was built at a cost of Rs. 112 crore. It has been officially named Bhagadatta Flyover-2 in honor of King Bhagadatta of Kamarupa. Additionally, the existing flyover in the Super Market area of the city will now be known as Bhagadatta Flyover-1. This naming decision reflects the government’s efforts to connect modern infrastructure with the region’s rich historical legacy.
Enhancing Urban Transport and Alleviating Traffic Congestion
During the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the new flyover is part of a broader initiative to improve Guwahati’s urban transport system and address persistent traffic challenges. He highlighted that the entire construction team consisted of young professionals from Assam, showcasing local talent and expertise. Furthermore, this project marks only the second instance in the country where a flyover has been constructed using advanced composite structure technology by RITES India Limited, a government agency.
The flyover also includes provisions for vehicle parking beneath the structure, aimed at supporting local commercial establishments. The Chief Minister noted that the current administration is committed to development that balances technological advancement with cultural heritage. By naming the flyovers after King Bhagadatta, he explained, the government aims to familiarize younger generations with the ancient legacy of Kamrup and Guwahati.
Upcoming Infrastructure Projects
The Chief Minister outlined several upcoming infrastructure initiatives, including:
- A ramp addition to the Ganeshguri flyover.
- New flyovers at Arya Nagar, Maligaon, and Radha Govinda Baruah Road.
- An elevated corridor at Bharalumukh.
Additionally, flyovers at the Cycle Factory area and Bharalumukh are scheduled for inauguration in February next year, while the Noonmati-Chandmari flyover is expected to open by April. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lay the foundation stone for the Narengi-Kurua bridge and the Guwahati Ring Road in September. The bridge linking Guwahati and North Guwahati is expected to be opened in January next year.
A new terminal building at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport will be inaugurated in November, alongside the commencement of an elevated corridor connecting the airport to Jalukbari. This project will be implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways within the current year.
Economic Growth and Employment Opportunities
Chief Minister Sarma stated that Guwahati is becoming a major center of employment, not only for Assam but for the broader North Eastern region. Approximately 10 lakh livelihood opportunities have been created in the city, reflecting the government’s commitment to reducing outward migration for employment among the state’s youth. The Narengi-Kurua and Guwahati-North Guwahati bridges are expected to expand the city’s spatial footprint while simultaneously enhancing job availability.
He also mentioned that several multinational firms have expressed interest in establishing call centers in Guwahati. In parallel, infrastructure development efforts are underway in other cities, including Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Tezpur, and Silchar. Two flyovers have already been completed in Dibrugarh and Jorhat, with a third project in Jorhat scheduled to begin next year.
Recognition of Economic Progress
The Chief Minister concluded by stating that Assam is progressing economically due to the present administration’s development agenda. Last year, the Reserve Bank of India recognized Assam as the third most economically progressive state in the country. At the event, he also felicitated the engineers and representatives of the construction agency responsible for Bhagadatta Flyover-2.
