Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the Panbazar Road Over Bridge (ROB) in Guwahati on September 27, marking a significant advancement in urban connectivity. The inauguration coincided with the auspicious occasion of Mahapanchami. In his address, Sarma emphasized that the new overbridge would alleviate traffic congestion towards the railway station and key business areas.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 47 crore, the 290-meter-long flyover replaces an older structure that had caused frequent traffic disruptions and complications for train operations. Sarma noted, “The earlier bridge was too low, creating problems for rail movement. The new flyover is taller and stronger, ensuring that waterlogging issues will no longer occur. With its increased height, electric trains can now pass smoothly.”
In addition to the flyover, Sarma announced broader redevelopment plans for the Guwahati Railway Station. He mentioned a recent land exchange between the state government and the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), explaining, “We have offered the old ASTC land in Paltan Bazar to NFR. In return, the NFR has given us back an equivalent amount of land near Jalukbari.” This exchange will allow easier access to the railway station from both sides, as Sarma pointed out that the road to Paltan Bazar is narrow.
The Chief Minister indicated that the new Guwahati Railway Station will be designed with two entry gates, enhancing its accessibility. He reassured attendees that the railway department would ensure adherence to the highest standards during construction, making the station a significant landmark in Paltan Bazar and simplifying travel for commuters.
Sarma highlighted that Assam is evolving into a developed region, asserting that these projects would secure resources for future generations. Drawing attention to the state’s expanding railway infrastructure, he noted that NFR’s annual investment has surged from Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore, supporting the development of 1,800 kilometers of new tracks and ongoing projects estimated at Rs 77,000 crore.
He also discussed significant improvements, including double railway lines between Lumding and Tinsukia, a parallel bridge to the Saraighat, and two-lane tracks to significantly cut down travel time to major cities like Delhi and Kolkata. Between January and July of this year, Assam has constructed 11 flyovers and 20 underpasses.
Sarma further mentioned that the Centre is evaluating a Rs 15,000-crore multimodal rail-and-road project at Gohpur and Numaligarh, alongside a proposed 32-kilometer flyover in Kaziranga aimed at protecting wildlife during floods. In response to concerns over alleged tree felling at Dighalipukhuri, he clarified, “We have not cut a single tree. Ninety-five percent of the translocated trees have survived. This is not destruction, but better creation.”
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/guwahati/guwahati-railway-station-to-get-two-entry-gates-after-astc-land-swap-with-nfr-1592793
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Publish Date: 2025-09-27 20:06:00
