Guwahati: Assam's largest city is transforming into a modern and well-connected city with several major infra projects in the pipeline.

The outlay for these projects in Guwahati, including the elevated south bank corridor, Azara District Hospital, road upgradation, trumpet interchange at Gauripur-t-junction, and the construction of a 6-lane extra-dosed PSC bridge over the Brahmaputra, is about Rs 1208 crore, officials have informed.

These projects were unveiled on Monday by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma under the 'Vikas Yatra' (development journey) initiative.

CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma is inaugurating and laying foundation
 stones of several development projects in Kamrup & Kamrup (M) district
as a part of Bikash Yatra on March 4, 2024

Elevated South Bank Corridor: The elevated south bank corridor of Guwahati-North Guwahati bridge project with an outlay of Rs 326.01 crore, spans from Bhoothnath to Machkhowa. This flyover features two rotaries and introduces special noise barriers to control noise pollution.

CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma is dedicating the
 South Bank Elevated Corridor a part of
Guwahati-North Guwahati Bridge over the Brahmaputra
on March 4, 2024

Azara District Hospital: Under the Assam State Secondary Healthcare Initiative for Service Delivery Transformation (ASSIST) scheme, the 100-bed Azara District Hospital with a project cost of Rs 116 crore was announced. The hospital will house three operation theatres and 14 essential healthcare facilities, including critical care and radiology. Biswa Sarma said that construction will be completed by 2026. "This 8-storey building with a total built-up area of 15,555 square meters shall have three operational theatres, along with a host of essential healthcare facilities, including critical, and radiology, to name a few”, he added.

Road Upgradation Projects: A major road upgradation project, costing Rs 358 crore, will connect the LGBI Airport from VIP junction to Dharapur junction. The 9km road, which will be turned into a 4-lane project, will feature roundabouts at key junctions, improving transportation to and from the airport terminals amidst growing air traffic.

Trumpet Interchange at Gauripur T Junction: At the Gauripur T Junction, a 5.482km Trumpet Interchange project was announced with a budgetary expenditure of Rs 408 crore. The initiative aims to enhance connectivity with nearby and remote areas, reducing accidents and commute time.

6-Lane Extra-Dosed PSC Bridge: Construction of a 6-lane extra-dosed PSC bridge over the Brahmaputra, connecting Guwahati and North Guwahati at a cost of Rs 2608.69 crore will ease the traffic congestion near Bharalumukh. Sarma said that the project is set to be completed by December this year and the corridor will enhance the cityscape by the river and reinforce the river bank.

Elevated Corridor and Future Infrastructural Developments: With the inauguration of the portion of the elevated corridor, traffic congestion near Bharalumukh is expected to ease. Commuters from Adabari heading to Kachari Ghat areas can now directly take the elevated corridor, bypassing Bharalumukh. Sarma has also announced plans for another elevated corridor from Pandu to Kamakhya temple over the Brahmaputra.

The Chief Minister also hinted at future initiatives, including the construction of a flyover at Rani, along with the massive infrastructure development near Deepor Beel. This initiative aims to boost the tourism potential of the Ramsar site. 

Furthermore, the plan to upgrade the existing railway line passing through Deepor Beel to an elevated railway corridor will minimize the casualties of elephants inhabiting nearby areas, he added.

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