CM opens Assam’s longest & Guwahati’s 30th flyover

Guwahati: The city on Tuesday got its 30th flyover and Assam’s longest, with CM Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurating the Maharaja Prithu Flyover, named after the 13th-century Kamarupa ruler known for defeating Turko-Afghan invader Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1206.

The four-lane flyover connects Bamunimaidam at the eastern end of the narrow MRD Road with Ambari at the western end. The eastern end lies about 1.5 km from the Guwahati Refinery, while the western end is around 550 metres from Guwahati Railway Station.

Speaking at the inauguration, Himanta said the flyover would significantly ease traffic congestion and cut travel time for commuters. He said its completion in a record 28 months reflected planning, technical expertise, supervision and teamwork. “This success will set a new bench mark toward infrastructural development of the state,” he added.

Himanta said the govt also plans to build a rotary at Guwahati Club on the flyover, which will later be connected to the existing flyover at Ulubari, though he said the project would take time.

“For the overall development of the area, steps have been made for concrete drainage from Dighalipukhuri to Noonmati, repair and refurbishment of roads, lanes and bylanes along with high-quality lights,” he said.

Calling MRD Road one of the busiest corridors in Guwahati, Himanta said thousands of vehicles use it daily, leading to frequent traffic snarls. He said the new flyover would reduce pressure on the road below and improve commuting time. “Moreover, it will lead to reduction in air and noise pollution. It will add a new momentum to business, academic and medical convenience of the people,” he added.

The chief minister described the project as a symbol of “Vikash and Virasat”, saying the naming of the flyover after Maharaja Prithu honoured Assam’s historical legacy.

Paying tribute to the ruler, Himanta said Maharaja Prithu’s bravery and commitment to his people helped save the region from foreign invasion.

Himanta added that Guwahati may not need more flyovers immediately. “Probably, there is no need for construction of any flyover in the city now. The drinking water problem of Guwahati has also been almost solved. Now, the focus will be to solve urban flooding and giving land patta to the residents of hilly areas in the city.”