Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on November 29 ceremonially started the construction works of the 8.25 km Majuli-Jorhat bridge, including immediate approaches over river Brahmaputra on NH 715K, at Dakshinpat in Majuli district.
The Union ministry of road transport and highways has sanctioned Rs 925.47 crore for construction of the bridge. The project will be executed by UP State Bridge Construction Corporation Limited, Lucknow. The targeted period for completion of the project is 48 months.
Speaking in a meeting held in connection with the launch of construction works of the bridge at Dakshinpat, chief minister Sarma said: “Today is a historic day for the people of Majuli. The launch of construction of Majuli-Jorhat bridge is a milestone event and this will give renewed momentum to the development journey of the district.”
The chief minister further said: “This bridge was a longstanding demand of the people of Majuli. Once construction of this bridge is completed, it will give a paradigm shift to connectivity between Jorhat and Majuli besides leading to rapid development in the island district.”
The chief minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union MoRTH minister Nitin Gadkari for sanctioning this much-awaited project. He also recalled the contributions of former chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and said that it was because of his efforts and blessings that the dream of this bridge materializes today.
The chief minister informed that the state government has already constituted a cabinet committee to regularly monitor progress of the project.
Sarma further said that the government aims to inaugurate this bridge by November 2025. Around Rs 200 crore would be spent by the state government from its side for this bridge, he added.
Chief minister Sarma also announced that the state government would take up construction of a new bridge connecting Majuli-Lakhimpur at Dhunaguri from its own resources amounting to Rs 750 crore.
He highlighted steps that have been taken to strengthen and streamline boat services between Jorhat and Majuli following the tragic boat accident at Neamatighat recently.
The chief minister also spoke about the major changes brought about in revenue administration through Mission Basundhara and how it has helped people since its launch on October 2 this year. Sarma also said that soon the state government would launch Mission Sadbhavana to dispose-off all pending files relating to public matters which are pending at various departments at Janata Bhawan.
Coinciding with the programme, the chief minister also handed over cheques to beneficiaries under Assam Micro Finance Incentive & Relief Scheme, 2021. Altogether 533 beneficiaries of Majuli have been benefitted by this scheme, which include 366 beneficiaries from Ujani Majuli Development Block and 167 from Majuli Development Block.
CM Sarma also handed over cheques of land acquisition compensation to 5 families affected due to construction of the Majuli-Jorhat bridge.
Minister of power, sports, cultural affairs etc. Bimal Bora, who is also the guardian minister of the district, addressed the people on the occasion.
