Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14 inaugurated the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, a six-lane extradosed bridge across the Brahmaputra linking Guwahati with North Guwahati, marking a significant milestone in Assam’s urban infrastructure development.
Constructed at an estimated cost of ₹3,030 crore, the Prestressed Concrete structure is the first extradosed bridge of its kind in Northeast India. The project is aimed at easing traffic congestion and strengthening connectivity between the two riverbanks, cutting travel time between Guwahati and North Guwahati to approximately seven minutes.
Engineered with the region’s high seismic vulnerability in mind, the bridge incorporates advanced base isolation technology using friction pendulum bearings to enhance earthquake resilience. High-performance stay cables have been installed to ensure durability and long-term structural stability.
The bridge is also equipped with a Bridge Health Monitoring System, enabling real-time structural assessment, early detection of potential damage and improved safety management throughout its operational lifespan.
With its inauguration, the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu is expected to spur economic activity, improve regional mobility and further reinforce Guwahati’s position as a key gateway to the Northeast.
