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Assam's Bridge Boom: How BJP Transformed the Brahmaputra from Barrier to Lifeline

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a political attack, blaming previous Congress governments for neglecting Brahmaputra connectivity for decades. He highlighted that only three bridges were built in nearly 70 years after Independence. In contrast, he credited the BJP-led government since 2014 with building four major bridges in just one decade. Sarma concluded by stating the river is now a "lifeline of growth," with four more ambitious bridges currently under construction.

Key Points: Himanta Sarma Credits BJP for Brahmaputra Bridges, Slams Congress Neglect

  • CM Sarma claims only three bridges were built over 70 years under Congress rule
  • Four major bridges have been constructed in the last decade under BJP leadership
  • Four more mega bridges, including India's longest river bridge, are currently under construction
  • Improved connectivity is boosting economic growth, tourism, and emergency response across Assam
2 min read

From Cong's neglect to BJP resolve: Brahmaputra no longer Assam's barrier, says CM Sarma

Assam CM Himanta Sarma contrasts BJP's decade of bridge-building over the Brahmaputra with Congress-era neglect, declaring the river is now a "lifeline of growth."

"Today, the Brahmaputra is no longer a barrier. It is a lifeline of growth. - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, Dec 14

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday launched a sharp political attack on the previous Congress governments, asserting that decades of neglect had turned the mighty Brahmaputra into a barrier rather than a bridge for Assam's development, a situation his government has decisively reversed.

Highlighting the contrast in governance outcomes, Sarma said that in nearly 70 years after Independence, Assam managed to build only three bridges over the Brahmaputra -- the Saraighat Bridge, the Kalia Bhomora Bridge and the Naranarayan Setu.

"For decades, the Congress ruled Assam, but connectivity remained a distant dream. The Brahmaputra symbolised isolation, delay and political apathy," he said.

The Chief Minister underlined that the scenario changed fundamentally after 2014, when focused leadership and political will placed infrastructure at the centre of governance.

"In just one decade, Assam has built four major bridges over the Brahmaputra -- a second Saraighat Bridge, the Bogibeel Bridge, the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge and a second Kalia Bhomora Bridge. This is not coincidence, this is commitment," Sarma said.

Calling the Congress era one of "missed opportunities and weak resolve," Sarma said that large river connectivity projects were repeatedly announced but rarely executed.

"Files moved, committees were formed, but the people of Assam kept waiting. Our government ended this culture of delay," he added. The Chief Minister said that the transformation is far from over, with four more mega bridges currently under construction.

These include the Kumar Bhaskaravarman Setu in Guwahati, the ambitious Dhubri-Phulbari bridge set to become India's longest river bridge, the Palasbari-Sualkuchi bridge, and the Jorhat-Majuli bridge, which will permanently connect the world's largest river island to the mainland.

CM Sarma stressed that improved connectivity has directly translated into economic growth, faster emergency response, tourism expansion and stronger social integration across Upper, Middle and Lower Assam.

"Today, the Brahmaputra is no longer a barrier. It is a lifeline of growth," he said. Taking a final swipe at the Congress, Chief Minister Sarma said: "Where they saw challenges, we saw responsibility. For our government, no task is impossible when public service is the goal."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the infrastructure push is good, I wish the CM would talk less about the past and more about future plans. What about the environmental impact of these mega projects on the Brahmaputra's ecosystem? Development must be sustainable.
A
Arjun K
The Dhubri-Phulbari bridge will be a landmark for all of India, not just Assam. Connecting the Northeast better is crucial for national integration and security. A long-overdue project finally seeing the light of day.
M
Meera T
As someone from Majuli, the Jorhat-Majuli bridge is a dream come true. For generations, we've been at the mercy of ferries. This will change lives, boost our culture and tourism. Bahut dhanyavaad to the government!
D
David E
Visiting Assam last year, the scale of construction was impressive. The Dhola-Sadiya bridge is an engineering marvel. Improved connectivity is key to unlocking the economic potential of the entire region.
K
Karthik V
It's true that previous governments did very little. But credit should also go to the engineers and workers on the ground. They are the real heroes turning these plans into reality, rain or shine.

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