Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati
Guwahati, Feb 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and dedicated to the nation a series of major infrastructure projects in Assam worth over Rs 5,450 crore, reinforcing the Centre’s focus on connectivity, strategic readiness and holistic development in the Northeast.
The Prime Minister unveiled the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu over the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati and also inaugurated the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on a national highway in Dibrugarh district.
At around 1 pm, Modi inspected and inaugurated the 2.86-km-long, six-lane Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 3,030 crore. The extradosed Prestressed Concrete (PSC) bridge connects Guwahati with North Guwahati and is expected to reduce travel time between the two sides of the city to nearly seven minutes.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the bridge would significantly enhance “connectivity, comfort and commerce” in the region. He also noted that the project would facilitate easier access for devotees travelling to the revered Kamakhya Temple.
The bridge, the first of its kind in Northeast India, has been designed keeping in view the region’s high seismic vulnerability. It incorporates advanced base isolation technology using friction pendulum bearings and high-performance stay cables to ensure durability and structural stability.
A modern Bridge Health Monitoring System (BHMS) has been installed to enable real-time monitoring and early detection of structural issues, enhancing long-term safety and maintenance efficiency.
The event was attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, among other dignitaries.
Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility on the Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh district. Developed in coordination with the Indian Air Force, the dual-use facility is designed to support both military and civilian aircraft operations during emergencies and disaster situations.
Calling it a matter of “immense pride,” Modi said the facility holds significant strategic and disaster-response importance for the region.
Following the inauguration, the IAF conducted an impressive air show featuring frontline fighter jets, including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Dassault Rafale, along with other aircraft and helicopters. The jets successfully carried out take-offs and landings on the specially reinforced 4.2-km highway stretch in the presence of the Prime Minister and senior officials. Authorities said nearly one lakh people gathered to witness the historic event.
The reinforced stretch has been engineered to function as an emergency runway capable of handling fighter aircraft up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of up to 74 tonnes. The absence of a central road divider allows seamless aircraft movement during landing and take-off, while fencing and removal of roadside structures ensure operational safety.
Located in Upper Assam and close to the India-China border, the facility is being viewed as a crucial strategic asset. It will act as an alternative landing option in case Dibrugarh Airport or Chabua Air Force Station becomes unavailable due to operational constraints.
Officials noted that highway-based landing facilities enhance redundancy, mobility and rapid-response capability, strengthening national security preparedness while also improving disaster management infrastructure in the region.