India’s longest bridge is coming up over river Brahmaputra
Photo for representation purpose only
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for construction of Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge over river Brahmaputra has been finalized. The proposal is in the process of being evaluated by the Public Investment Board (PIB)
This information was given by Mansukh L Mandaviya Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways in reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 13th December 2018.
As it is a 20 Km long bridge project with navigational span of 12.625 Km, a detailed investigation of soil and hydrology of the area was required to be carried out before finalization of the DPR. Once completed, Dhubri-Phulbairi bridge will be the longest bridge in India.
The bridge will be the fulfillment of a dream that many in the region have shared over time. Earlier the easiest and fastest method of travel between Phulbari in Meghalaya and Dhubri in Assam was through motor boats, a travel time of close to 2.5 to 3 hours. Once the bridge become a reality, traversing between the two states will be an easy task for the residents.
Dhubri Ferry
“This is really good news for us and will definitely help boost the local economy. It will mean a huge reduction in travel time between Meghalaya and West Bengal as well. Hopefully the AMPT road too will be developed by then,” said a local resident of Phulbari.
The project is being funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and loan agreement has been signed in October, 2018. Construction of the bridge is scheduled to be taken up during the financial year 2019-2020.