Guwahati, February 14, 2026 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, a six-lane bridge over the Brahmaputra River in Assam, built at an estimated cost of ₹3,030 crore.

The bridge is expected to significantly enhance connectivity across the state, reducing travel time and easing congestion on existing routes linking North and South Assam. Officials said the project would serve as a major transport corridor, facilitating smoother movement of both passengers and goods.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Prime Minister highlighted the Centre’s focus on strengthening infrastructure in the Northeast. He said improved connectivity would accelerate economic growth, boost trade, and promote tourism in the region.

Major Infrastructure Boost

The Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu has been constructed using modern engineering techniques to withstand the challenging conditions of the Brahmaputra. Authorities said the bridge is designed to handle heavy traffic and ensure long-term durability.

The project is expected to:

• Improve road connectivity across Assam
• Reduce travel time between key regions
• Enhance trade and logistics movement
• Support regional economic development

Part of Northeast Development Push

The inauguration is part of the government’s broader push to upgrade infrastructure in the Northeast. Several road, rail, and bridge projects have been undertaken in recent years to improve connectivity and integrate the region more closely with the rest of the country.

Local residents and business communities have welcomed the development, expressing hope that the bridge will ease daily commuting and open new avenues for growth.

The newly inaugurated bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time between key regions of the state and improve connectivity between North and South Assam. Officials said the project will ease traffic congestion on existing routes and provide a faster, more efficient transport corridor for both passengers and goods.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s focus on transforming the Northeast into a hub of economic growth. He said improved infrastructure would enhance trade, tourism, and regional integration.

The bridge, built with modern engineering standards, is designed to handle high traffic volumes and ensure long-term durability, especially considering the challenging conditions of the Brahmaputra River.

• D Dutta