NewKerala.com

PM Modi Inaugurates Key Brahmaputra Bridge & Emergency Airstrip in Assam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, a major 6-lane bridge over the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati. The Rs 3,030 crore structure is the first extradosed bridge in Northeast India and incorporates advanced seismic safety features. Modi also witnessed an air display at a new Emergency Landing Facility in Dibrugarh, a dual-use airstrip built in coordination with the Indian Air Force. The inaugurations are part of a series of development projects worth over Rs 5,450 crore aimed at boosting connectivity and infrastructure in the region.

Key Points: Modi Inaugurates Brahmaputra Bridge & Air Force Landing Strip in Assam

  • 6-lane bridge cuts travel to 7 mins
  • First extradosed bridge in Northeast India
  • Features seismic safety technology
  • Inaugurates emergency airstrip for IAF
  • Part of Rs 5,450 crore development push
2 min read

PM Modi inaugurates Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu across Brahmaputra River in Guwahati

PM Modi opens Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, a 6-lane bridge over the Brahmaputra, and an Emergency Landing Facility in Dibrugarh, boosting NE connectivity.

"It will cut travel time between Guwahati and North Guwahati to seven minutes. - Official Statement"

Guwahati, February 14

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu across River Brahmaputra for improving connectivity within Guwahati.

The 6-lane extradosed Prestressed Concrete (PSC) bridge, built at a cost of around Rs 3,030 crore, connects Guwahati with North Guwahati and is the first extradosed bridge in Northeast India.

It will cut travel time between Guwahati and North Guwahati to seven minutes. Given the region's high seismicity, the bridge incorporates base isolation using friction pendulum bearings.

High-performance stay cables have been used to ensure durability and long-term structural performance. A Bridge Health Monitoring System (BHMS) has also been incorporated to enable real-time condition monitoring, early damage detection, and improved safety and service life of the extradosed bridge.

The Indian Air Force conducted an air display at the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh on Saturday, with its Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets taking off in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries watching the air display. Earlier, PM Modi was welcomed on the stage by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, in Dibrugarh.

The ELF is the first of its kind in Northeast India. It has been designed and constructed in coordination with the Indian Air Force to support the landing and takeoff of military and civilian aircraft during emergencies. It will serve as a critical asset for emergency response, enabling quick deployment of rescue and relief operations during natural disasters or strategic requirements in the Northeast.

Envisioned as dual-use infrastructure, the ELF is capable of handling fighter aircraft up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft up to 74 tonnes maximum take-off weight.

Later, PM Modi will also inaugurate and flag off development projects worth over Rs 5,450 crore, aimed at strengthening connectivity, digital infrastructure, higher education and urban mobility in the North-Eastern Region.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
A 7-minute travel time instead of what used to take ages? This is life-changing for the people of Guwahati. The Bridge Health Monitoring System is a smart feature. Hope the maintenance is kept up properly. Great to see such modern tech being used in our infrastructure projects.
H
Harsh A
While the bridge is impressive, I hope the focus remains on completing all the connecting roads and last-mile connectivity. Sometimes we build these grand projects but the approach roads remain in bad shape. Also, Rs 3,030 crore is a huge amount – transparency in spending is crucial.
S
Sarah B
The Emergency Landing Facility is a brilliant idea. The Northeast is prone to natural disasters, and having a runway that can handle heavy aircraft for relief operations is a game-changer for disaster management. Dual-use infrastructure is the way to go.
R
Rohit P
Finally, the connectivity gap in the Northeast is being addressed seriously. This bridge and the other projects worth ₹5,450 crore will boost tourism and trade. When I visited last year, the traffic was horrible. This should ease things a lot. Jai Hind!
M
Meera T
Naming it after Kumar Bhaskar Varma, the ancient Kamarupa king, is a nice touch connecting modern development with our historical heritage. The air display with Sukhoi and Rafale must have been a spectacular sight for the people of Dibrugarh!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50