Super Market flyover completed in record time

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: On the occasion of Diwali, and to promote the roadways sector in Guwahati — the Gateway to Northeast — in particular — and the region in general, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the two-lane flyover at the Supermarket-GS Road to the people.

The flyover was constructed with the SOPD (State-Owned Priority Development) fund of the Government of Assam in fiscal 2019-20. The new flyover was constructed with an outlay of Rs 127.20 crore. The two-lane flyover extends to 1205 metres in length. It was completed in a record period of 22 months, instead of the scheduled 36 months.

Significantly, this two-lane flyover was constructed by Assamese contractor Anil Das.

With the inauguration, the flyover will considerably reduce traffic congestion at the Supermarket by diverting traffic from Ganeshguri to Last Gate through the flyover. It will also ensure hassle-free traffic movement from Khanapara to Ganeshguri and facilitate smooth traffic from Dispur Last Gate to Ganeshguri.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that a capital city always signifies the glory of an entire State. Completion of the Supermarket flyover in a record time testifies the rate of development that is sweeping the entire state.

Stating that Guwahati is the gateway to ASEAN countries, Sarma added that infrastructural development of the city augurs well for the development of the entire State.

Giving a snapshot of different infrastructure projects in the state and their level of implementation, Chief Minister Sarma said that it has been the commitment of the new dispensation in Assam to adhere to timely completion of the projects to avoid cost overruns and give the people the taste of development works.

He also said that the under-construction Guwahati-North Guwahati Bridge over the Brahmaputra will be inaugurated by December 2023. The cost of this bridge is Rs 2,630 crore.

The CM stated, "Two more under-construction flyovers at Sarab Bhati and Maligaon will also be completed within 2023."

He also said that the government would construct one more flyover to serve the stretch at RG Baruah Road-Geetanagar trijunction. The construction of this flyover will start within two months.

The CM added, "The AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) at Changsari will be inaugurated this financial year."

CM Sarma said, "Moreover, flyovers at Basistha Chariali and Gorchuk will be built. Another flyover from Guwahati Club to Bamunimaidam area will also be built and DPR is at the advanced stage."

Dr Sarma also said that his government is also examining the construction of a six-lane ring road connecting Baihata Chariali-Sipajhar, Kuruwa-Narengi to connect it to the national highway. The DPR for the project is underway and the work will be taken up under Bharat Mala Project. He also said that in the next five years of this present government, besides the existing Saraighat Bridge, there will be three more bridges connecting Narengi-Kuruwa, the under-construction Guwahati-North Guwahati Bridge and also the Palasbari-Sualkuchi Bridge to address the connectivity bottleneck of the people living along the South and North Bank of the river Brahmaputra.

The CM added that the drinking water project of Guwahati is nearing completion. The government is also working sincerely for the Brahmaputra riverfront beautification project, besides creating new gardens in Hengrabari, Fancy Bazar and Maligaon areas.

An integrated sports complex will be built at the now-defunct Chandrapur Thermal Power project area in line with Sarusajai Sports Complex, added the CM.

Regarding the early completion of the Supermarket flyover, the CM hailed the efforts of all concerned including contractor Anil Das, and PWD engineers. Presenting certificates to them, the CM said, "The construction of this flyover started in December 2019.

"This is despite the two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic that has swept Assam. I am happy that the project was completed in 22 months against the stipulated target of 36 months."

He added, "Earlier construction companies like 'SIMPLEX' had taken eight years to complete a flyover. But today, Assamese contractor Anil Das has achieved a milestone. Probably a construction firm even from New Delhi would have failed to complete such a project in just 22 months."

The interior sidewalls of the Super Market Flyover are designed with colourful paintings of local artists. These paintings highlight the age-old rich, colourful and variegated cultures of Assam and the entire North East Region as well as of the country.

Meanwhile, talking to The Sentinel after the inauguration of this bridge, the constructor of the Super Market flyover Anil Das said, "I did plan to complete the flyover before schedule on the day when the foundation stone was laid. I thank the people of the locality, media, PWD officials and others for the support they extended. I could succeed as the Chief Minister set a target for me."

Also, present on the occasion includes the Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly Biswajit Daimary, several ministers, MLAs and others.

Also Read: Supermarket flyover to be inaugurated on November 4

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