Q.13. The Government of Assam has initiated the process of constructing bridges over Brahmaputra at several places. Mention the places and discuss the probable benefits and strategic importance of these bridges.
15,Oct 2024
Posted By : SPM IAS Academy
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The Government of Assam has initiated the construction of several bridges over the Brahmaputra River to improve connectivity, promote economic growth, and enhance strategic security in the North-East. The Brahmaputra, one of the major rivers in India, cuts across Assam, making transportation and connectivity difficult between its northern and southern banks. These bridges are part of Assam’s broader infrastructure push, supported by both the Government of India and international funding agencies.
Locations of Proposed Bridges over Brahmaputra
Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge: A 19.3 km bridge under construction, connecting Dhubri in Assam to Phulbari in Meghalaya, will be the longest river bridge in India.
Guwahati-North Guwahati Bridge: A new bridge is being constructed near Guwahati, complementing the existing Saraighat Bridge and reducing congestion between the northern and southern parts of the city.
Bogibeel Bridge (Dibrugarh): An already operational 4.9 km rail-cum-road bridge, the longest in India, connecting Dibrugarh to Dhemaji, will be supplemented with other bridges to improve access further upstream and downstream.
Jorhat-Majuli Bridge: This project aims to connect the world’s largest river island, Majuli, to Jorhat, significantly improving accessibility to the island.
Kamalabari-Lakhimpur Bridge: Another key project, linking Majuli’s Kamalabari with Lakhimpur on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra.
Sivasagar-Disangmukh Bridge: A proposed bridge to link Sivasagar with Desangmukh, expected to boost local economies.
Probable Benefits of the Bridges
Enhanced Connectivity: The Brahmaputra acts as a natural barrier between the northern and southern banks of Assam, making travel and trade cumbersome. These bridges will drastically reduce travel times. For instance, the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge will cut down the current travel distance by 203 km, significantly improving connectivity between Assam and Meghalaya. Improved road and rail connectivity will facilitate smoother movement of goods and people across Assam and adjoining states.
Economic Growth and Regional Development: Better connectivity will lead to greater economic integration of regions on both sides of the Brahmaputra. The NITI Aayog in its North East Vision 2030 emphasizes that improved infrastructure will accelerate regional growth by facilitating access to markets and services. The Jorhat-Majuli Bridge will boost tourism to Majuli, a key cultural and ecological site, driving tourism-based revenue. Furthermore, enhanced transportation networks will promote the growth of agriculture, tea, and small-scale industries across the region, aligning with Assam’s Industrial Policy.
Strategic and National Security Importance: Assam’s location in the North-East makes it strategically critical, particularly due to its proximity to China, Bangladesh, and other neighboring countries. The Bogibeel Bridge plays a vital role in enhancing military logistics, allowing faster movement of troops and equipment to India’s border areas in Arunachal Pradesh. Other bridges, like the Guwahati-North Guwahati Bridge, will also facilitate swift military mobilization, a point stressed in reports by the Standing Committee on Defence.
Disaster Resilience and Crisis Management: During flood seasons, parts of Assam are often cut off due to the Brahmaputra’s flooding. Improved infrastructure will allow faster evacuation, relief efforts, and medical aid during disasters. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has recommended better road and bridge infrastructure in the flood-prone Brahmaputra valley to enhance disaster preparedness. Bridges like the Bogibeel Bridge and those planned for Majuli will improve the resilience of these vulnerable regions.
Promotion of Trade and Tourism: Assam and the North-East are rich in natural resources and hold significant potential for trade, especially with Southeast Asia. As part of India’s Act East Policy, improving infrastructure through the construction of these bridges will enhance cross-border trade with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Moreover, key cultural sites like Majuli and wildlife sanctuaries, such as Kaziranga, will benefit from increased tourism, which will further drive local economic growth.
Strategic Importance
Military Mobilization: The Bogibeel Bridge has already enhanced India’s strategic capabilities by allowing faster deployment of military forces to the northern frontier. The upcoming bridges will further strengthen the movement of troops, weaponry, and supplies toward sensitive borders in Arunachal Pradesh. The Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge will improve access to the strategically vital region of West Garo Hills and adjoining areas.
Increased Border Security: The North-Eastern Council (NEC) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have stressed the need for better connectivity for border security. The Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge will strengthen India’s access to its border areas with Bangladesh, enabling faster troop deployment and better border surveillance.
Act East Policy: Improved connectivity across the Brahmaputra is integral to India’s Act East Policy, which aims to develop the North-East as a gateway for trade and cooperation with Southeast Asia. These bridges will enhance road networks that are part of the larger Asian Highway Network and Trans-Asian Railway projects, improving India’s regional connectivity.
The construction of bridges over the Brahmaputra in Assam will have far-reaching impacts on the state’s economy, connectivity, and security. By facilitating trade, tourism, and military movement, these bridges will play a critical role in the region’s development. Supported by key government initiatives, committee reports, and strategic frameworks like the Act East Policy, the bridges are not just infrastructural projects but symbols of Assam’s growing importance in India’s economic and strategic landscape.
