Guwahati, Nov 29: Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday ceremonially launched construction works of the 8.25 km Majuli-Jorhat Bridge including immediate approaches over river Brahmaputra on NH 715K at Dakshinpat in Majuli district.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India has sanctioned Rs. 925.47 crores for the construction of this bridge. This project will be executed by UP State Bridge Construction Corporation Limited, Lucknow. The targeted period for the completion of the project is 48 months.
Speaking in a meeting held in connection with the launch of construction works of the bridge at Dakshinpat, Chief Minister Dr Sarma said – “Today is a historic day for the people of Majuli. The launch of construction of Majuli-Jorhat Bridge is a milestone event and this will give renewed momentum to the development journey of the district.”
The Assam Chief Minister further said – “This bridge was a longstanding demand of the people of Majuli. Once construction of this bridge is completed, it will give a paradigm shift to connectivity between Jorhat and Majuli besides leading to rapid development in the island district.”
Himanta Biswa Sarma thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union MoRTH Minister Nitin Gadkari for sanctioning this much-awaited project.
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He also recalled the contributions of former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and said that it was because of his efforts and blessings that the dream of this bridge materializes today.
The Chief Minister informed that the state government has already constituted a cabinet committee to regularly monitor the progress of the project.
Dr Sarma further said that the government aims to inaugurate this bridge by November 2025. Around Rs. 200 crores would be spent by the state government from its side for this bridge, he added.
Chief Minister Sarma also announced that the government of Assam would take up construction of a new bridge connecting Majuli-Lakhimpur at Dhunaguri from its own resources amounting to Rs. 750 crores.
He also highlighted steps that have been taken to strengthen and streamline boat services between Jorhat and Majuli following the tragic boat accident at Nimatighat recently. The Chief Minister also spoke about the major changes brought about in revenue administration through Mission Basundhara and how it has helped people since its launch on October 2 this year.
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Dr Sarma also said that soon the state government would launch Mission Sadbhavana to dispose of all pending files relating to public matters which are pending at various departments at Janata Bhawan.
Coinciding with the programme, the Chief Minister also handed over cheques to beneficiaries under Assam Micro Finance Incentive & Relief Scheme, 2021. Altogether 533 beneficiaries of Majuli have been benefitted from this Scheme, which includes 366 beneficiaries from Ujani Majuli Development Block and 167 from Majuli Development Block.
He also handed over cheques of land acquisition compensation to 5 families affected due to the construction of the Majuli-Jorhat bridge.
Minister of Power, Sports, Cultural Affairs etc. Bimal Bora, who is also the guardian minister of the district addressed the people on the occasion.
While DC Majuli Pulak Mahanta delivered the welcome speech, Chief Engineer of PWD NH Mukul Chandra Das spoke in detail about the project.
MLA Naba Kumar Doley, CEM Deuri Autonomous Council Madhav Deuri, CEM Thengal Kachari Autonomous Council Kumud Kachari, president of Majuli Zila Parishad Papu Hazarika, VC of Majuli Cultural University Dr Dambarudhar Nath were also present among others in the meeting.
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Earlier, Chief Minister Dr Sarma inaugurated Officers Quarter (3 Block 12 Units) Grade III Quarters (1 Block 8 Units) under Integrated Office cum Residential Building project at Majuli today in the presence of Minister Bimal Bora. Under this project, steps are taken for the construction of integrated DC office, site development and quarters for officers and staff with an outlay of Rs. 50 crores.
During his visit to the district, Chief Minister Sarma also interacted with the members of Majuli District Journalists Association and Majuli district AAPCU at the DC office conference hall today and took stock of issues relating to welfare of journalists. He assured them that the state government would take the necessary steps to address all important issues raised by them.
On the other hand, Dr Sarma today began his day at Majuli with a visit to historic Sri Owa Satra at Kerelagaon and offered prayers seeking blessings of the almighty for the wellbeing and happiness of all.
