Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the country’s longest bridge over the Lohit river in Assam and said it would serve as a foundation for a new economic revolution.
Opening the 9.15-km-long bridge, Modi said it would connect and bring closer the people of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. He also announced that the bridge would be named after singer Bhupen Hazarika, who hailed from Sadia.
Project cost
The ₹2,056-crore bridge is 3.55 km longer than the Bandra-Worli Sea link.
“The bridge will not only reduce travel time but it comes as a foundation for the beginning of a new economic revolution,” Modi said.
“The shortening of distance by 165 km, reducing travel time by 7-8 hours will open new doors to economic development,” he said.
‘ “The bridge will bring development to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. For fulfilling India’s dream of becoming a top economically developed nation, the North Eastern region is the place to begin with.”
Infra development
“If development is to be made permanent, then infrastructure is the first requirement. It is on the two tracks of physical infrastructure and social infrastructure that complete development is achieved,” Modi said.
The prime minister said the government has been striving for long-lasting development by creating permanent infrastructure for fulfilling the dreams of the nation.
“This bridge will also open new road for the high quality North East ginger grown by farmers of the region and improve their economic condition. If they take to organic ginger farming, a global market will open up to them,” he added.