Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while laying the foundation stone of two more bridges over the mighty Brahmaputra river and performed Bhumi Pujan on Thursday, commented that the Dhubri – Phulbari bridge in western Assam and Jorhat (Nimatighat)-Majuli bridge in eastern part would give a major boost to the connectivity for the entire northeast Bharat.
PM Modi also virtually launched Mahabahu-Brahmaputra project in presence of Union transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari, Union shipping minister Mansukh L Mandaviya, State chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, State minister Himanta Biswa Sarma with other dignitaries including a number of Satradhikars in Majuli river island. To mark the launch, Modi inaugurated the Ro-Pax vessel operations between Nimatighat -Majuli island, Guwahati- North Guwahati and Dhubri-Hatsingimari localities. He also laid the foundation stone of Jogighopa inland water transport terminal and various tourist jetties on Brahmaputra as well as launched digital solutions for ease-of-doing-business.
Wishing the Mising community for Ali-Aye-Ligang festival associated with agriculture, Modi cited words of Dr Bhupen Hazarika’s songs to explain that for years the holy river the Brahmaputra is synonymous with assimilation, socializing and connectivity. Terming the connectivity within the region as a major challenge, he asserted that now all these projects would reduce the distances significantly. Mentioning the Saraighat bridge, Narnarayan Setu, Kolia Bhomora Setu, Dhola-Sadiya bridge and Bogibeel bridge (all over the Brahmaputra), Modi stated that those are making the life of Assam’s people easier and also strengthening the security of the country. He also pointed out that the Jogighopa inland terminal would enhance an alternative route to connect with Haldia port along with various Bangladesh destinations through the waterway.
Lauding the BJP led government in Dispur for the first helipad in Majuli, Modi also claimed that the 8 km long two-lane bridge connecting Nimatighat with Kamalabari is going to be a bridge of immense possibilities. Similarly, the 19 km four lane bridge connecting Dhubri with Phulbari in Meghalaya would improve connectivity in Barak valley as well, he added.
Gadkari in his speech informed that various important roads and infrastructure works worth rupees one lakh crore arebeing undertaken in Assam. He stated that 91 road works of 1,300 km worth rupees 8,000 crore have been completed during the last six years, while works worth rupees 20,000 crores would be completed by 2022.
Sonowal termed the day as historic as Majulians’ dream of a bridge connecting Jorhat is going to be realized. In presence of Union minister Rameswar Teli, State minister Atul Bora and Keshab Mahanta with others, he claimed that the rupees 3200 crore Mahabahu-Brahmaputra project would harness the potential of Barak and Brahmaputra rivers finally to strengthen the State’s economic foundation
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