Assam: Palasbari–Sualkuchi Bridge to Complete by June 2028; L&T Urges Safety

A CORRESPONDENT

PALASBARI: The much-anticipated Palasbari–Sualkuchi bridge over the Brahmaputra River is slated for completion by June 2028, according to officials overseeing the project. Construction officially began in mid-2024, with the project being executed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) under the Assam Public Works Department (PWD). The bridge is being funded by the New Development Bank (NDB), established by the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

The total estimated cost of the bridge project stands at Rs 3,197.20 crore, which includes expenses for land acquisition and associated infrastructure. The funding is being shared in an 80:20 ratio, with NDB covering 80% and the Assam government contributing the remaining 20%.

  The project, officially titled “Construction of a Four-Lane Extradosed PSC Bridge Over the Brahmaputra River Connecting Palasbari and Sualkuchi, Including viaducts, approaches, and River Training Works Under EPC Mode (ABP-II),” will feature a main bridge span of 3.6 km. Additionally, approach roads of 5.61 km on the Palasbari side and 3 km on the Sualkuchi side will be constructed. The total award cost to L&T is Rs 2,688.54 crore.

 At a press briefing held at L&T’s project office in Borjhar on Tuesday, Chief Safety Officer Pankaj Kumar emphasized safety for those navigating the Brahmaputra by boat or ferry. He urged river passengers to exercise caution as construction activities, including the erection of structures in the middle of the river, are ongoing around the clock.

 “We have issued specific guidelines for the safe movement of boats and vessels to prevent accidents. Some zones are now restricted due to active construction and the installation of poles. Warning signals have been put in place to direct river traffic safely,” Kumar stated.

Also present at the press conference were Dr. Bhrigu Prasad Saikia, Head of the Environment Department; Project Manager Rajat Vaid; and Officer-in-Charge B.K. Tiwari.

The bridge, which is expected to significantly boost connectivity between lower Assam’s Kamrup and Nalbari districts, had its foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14, 2023. According to officials, work on all 25 bridge foundations is currently in progress.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier confirmed the 2028 completion target, marking the bridge as a flagship infrastructure initiative for Assam under the Assam Bridge Project Phase II. L&T Urges River Passengers to Follow Safety Protocols as Construction Ramps Up on Brahmaputra.

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