Prime Minister Modi launches ‘Mahabahu-Brahmaputra’ initiative, lays foundation stone of two bridges in Assam

PM Modi on February 18, 2021, launched ‘Mahabahu-Brahmaputra’ and laid the foundation stone of the Dhubri Phulbari bridge via video conferencing. Prime Minister also performed bhumi pujan for the construction of Majuli Bridge.

While sharing the news of various projects in the state, PM Modi in a tweet mentioned that it will be a landmark day for the development journey of Assam as the Mahabahu-Brahmaputra initiative will be launched.

The Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh Mandaviya; the Minister of Roads Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari; the Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K Sangma; the Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal and DoNER Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh were present during the event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches multiple development initiatives in Assam, via video conferencing. pic.twitter.com/oAdlCP6xYy

— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2021

Launch of Mahabahu-Brahmaputra initiative:

• The launch of the initiative will be marked by the inauguration of the Ro-Pax vessel operations between Neamatighat and Majuli, Dhubri-Hatsingimari, and North-South Guwahati.

• It will also include Shilanyas of Inland Water Transport Terminal at Jogighopa and various tourist jetties at four locations to promote river tourism and employment.

•  The program aims at providing seamless connectivity to the Eastern Parts of India. It includes various development activities for the people who are living around Barak and Brahmaputra rivers.

• The Ro-Pax services under the initiative will help in reducing the travel time by facilitating connectivity between banks and further reducing the distance to be traveled by road.

Laying foundation stone of Dhubri Phulbari bridge:

• The Dhubari Phulbari bridge will be on NH-127B. It will originate from Srirampur on NH-27 (East-West Corridor) and will terminate at Nongstoin on NH-106 in Meghalaya.

• The bridge over Brahmaputra river will connect Dhubri in Assam to Phulbari, Rongram, Tura and Rongjeng in the Meghalaya state.

• Dhubri Phulbari bridge will be built at a total cost of Rs. 4,997 crores. It will meet the long-standing demand of the people of Meghalaya and Assam who were depending on the ferry services for traveling between the two banks of the river.

• The 4-lane bridge will be able to reduce the distance of 205 km to 19 km to be traveled by road which will be the total length of the bridge.