PM lays foundation of fifth bridge over Brahmaputra

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Guwahati, Apr 8 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today laid the foundation stone of the fifth bridge over the Brahmaputra in Asom.

The Rs 238.44 crore three-lane bridge, 30 metre west of the existing Saraighat bridge, will be 1.4 km long and is being constructed by Gammon India Limited as part of the East-West Corridor under the National Highway Development Project.

Addressing a function at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium on the outskirts of the city after laying the foundation of the bridge, Dr Singh expressed the hope that the new bridge would help in the development of the entire North East region.

He said, ''The Brahmaputra is the lifeline of the people of Asom.

This bridge will serve the state as well as the entire North East.'' Underlining the thrust of the UPA government on improving connectivity of NE with the rest of the country, he said, ''The new bridge will provide a new path towards progress and prosperity.'' Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, the guest of honour on the occasion, lauded the pace at which planning and other work of the bridge was progressing.

Praising Dr Singh as a ''dynamic Prime Minister'', Mr Gogoi added the bridge would immensely contribute to the economic development of the state.

Terming the new bridge a ''gift for the people of Asom for Rongali Bihu'', the Chief Minister said the historic Stillwell Road would also be given a facelift.

Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Thiru T R Baalu, Asom Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Ajai Singh, Union Cabinet members Santosh Mohan Dev, Murli Deora and K S Muniappa, members of the state Cabinet and various other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The bridge, which will have a 144-metre viaduct in the Guwahati side and a 245-metre viaduct in the Amingaon side, is targeted to be completed by April 2010.

The construction of a six-lane flyover at Jalukbari Chariali will also begin simultaneously with the new bridge.

Meanwhile, with insistence from various quarters, including the state government, that the new bridge should be converted into a rail-cum-road bridge, the Union Surface Transport Ministry has been in contact with the Railway Ministry to explore its technical feasibility.

UNI

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