Detailed Notes
Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu: Newly Opened Bridge Connecting Guwahati and North Guwahati
The bridge was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14, 2026. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were also present at the inauguration ceremony. After officially opening the bridge, the Prime Minister took a walk on it, highlighting its engineering excellence and national importance.
Location and Connectivity
Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu connects Bharalumukh in Guwahati to North Guwahati. It forms part of a larger 8.4 km connectivity corridor designed to strengthen transportation infrastructure in and around Assam's largest city.
This bridge provides a direct all-weather land connection across the Brahmaputra River, ensuring uninterrupted movement regardless of water levels, heavy monsoon floods, or dense winter fog.
Cost and Engineering Significance
The total project cost is estimated between Rs 3,000 crore and Rs 3,300 crore, with widely reported figures around Rs 3,030 crore. The bridge is the first extradosed Prestressed Concrete (PSC) bridge in Northeast India, making it an engineering landmark in the region.
The extradosed design combines elements of girder and cable-stayed bridges, allowing for greater strength and durability while maintaining cost efficiency. The structure has been designed to handle increasing vehicular traffic and reduce pressure on existing river crossings.
Travel Time Reduction
One of the biggest advantages of the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu is the dramatic reduction in travel time. Earlier, commuters travelling between Guwahati and North Guwahati had to rely on the Saraighat Bridge or ferry services.
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Road travel via Saraighat Bridge often took 45 to 60 minutes, especially during peak hours due to heavy congestion.
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Ferry services were frequently disrupted during monsoon floods or winter fog.
With the new bridge operational, travel time has been reduced to approximately 7 to 10 minutes, significantly improving daily commuting and logistics movement.
Impact on Infrastructure and Development
The bridge is expected to:
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Reduce traffic congestion in Guwahati
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Improve connectivity to North Guwahati
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Support economic and commercial growth
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Enhance regional infrastructure
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Strengthen transport resilience in all seasons
By easing bottlenecks and offering a reliable alternative crossing over the Brahmaputra, Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu is set to transform mobility in Assam and the Northeast region.
Other Key Developments Announced
During the same event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the temporary campus of IIM Guwahati. The new Indian Institute of Management Guwahati is expected to boost higher education and management education in the Northeast.
He also inaugurated a high-tech National Data Centre aimed at serving the entire Northeastern region, further strengthening digital and institutional infrastructure.