Guwahati, 6th May: As Assam gears up for the third phase of elections on May 7, all eyes are on the construction of what is set to become India’s longest river bridge in Dhubri. Spanning the Brahmaputra River to connect Dhubri in Assam with Phulwari in Meghalaya, the bridge has become a focal point of electoral discourse, drawing attention from residents, politicians, and business stakeholders alike.
With a length of 20 kilometers, the bridge, scheduled for completion by 2027, has emerged as a critical issue in the triangular contest involving the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), the Assam Gana Parishad (AGP), and the Congress party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for this ambitious project in 2021, heralding a transformative infrastructure development promising to revolutionize travel and trade between Assam and Meghalaya.
Local support for the bridge is overwhelming, with residents, including students, businessmen, and daily commuters, expressing their anticipation for its completion. Currently reliant on boat transportation across the Brahmaputra, locals cite the challenges of the arduous journey, often taking three to four hours by boat and facing disruptions during the monsoon season.
“The bridge will significantly reduce travel time to Meghalaya, making business operations much smoother,” shared one resident. “Transporting goods by boat is challenging, and this bridge will save us a lot of time and effort.” Similarly, a student highlighted the safety and convenience benefits, noting, “Travelling by boat is time-consuming and risky. The bridge will enhance coordination and safety for residents of both Dhubri and Meghalaya.”
In the political arena, the significance of the bridge has not gone unnoticed, with each party vying for credit in its creation. Javed Islam of the AGP, aligned with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), praised the NDA government’s initiative, while Badruddin Ajmal of the AIUDF claimed his role in advocating for the project. The Congress party, too, has emphasized its contributions, underscoring the bridge’s importance in their campaign rallies.
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