Centre Invites Rs 600 Crore Tender for Jorhat–Majuli Bridge, Announces Assam CM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a major development on Wednesday regarding the long-awaited Jorhat–Majuli bridge project. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has officially floated the tender for the construction of the bridge, marking a significant step forward in realizing this crucial infrastructure project that has faced multiple delays over the years.

The proposed bridge will span 6.81 kilometers and will feature two lanes, providing a permanent, all-weather road connection between Jorhat and Majuli, the world’s largest river island and a district of cultural and ecological significance in Assam. With an estimated cost of ₹600.51 crore, the project aims to drastically improve connectivity, reduce the region’s dependence on ferry services, and enhance transportation safety and efficiency for both local residents and tourists visiting the island.

Chief Minister Sarma shared the announcement via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), celebrating the development as a major achievement for Assam. In his post, he expressed gratitude to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, acknowledging his efforts in turning this long-pending project into a reality. “Great news for Assam,” Sarma wrote, highlighting the bridge’s potential to transform regional connectivity and bring about substantial socio-economic benefits.

The idea of constructing a bridge connecting Jorhat and Majuli has been in discussion for years due to the critical importance of improving access to the island, which is often isolated during floods and adverse weather conditions. The ferry services that currently serve the region are limited, vulnerable to natural disruptions, and not always reliable. The new bridge is expected to provide a much-needed lifeline, ensuring year-round, uninterrupted connectivity that will boost local economies, healthcare access, and educational opportunities.

Despite its importance, the bridge project has encountered several roadblocks in the past. Key among these have been the rising construction costs and the need for technical revisions and environmental clearances. These challenges had delayed the tendering and implementation phases. However, with the new tender floated, the government has signaled its intent to move ahead decisively and complete the project in a timely manner.

This initiative aligns with the Assam government’s broader vision to enhance intra-state transportation infrastructure, especially in regions with difficult terrain or unique geographic challenges. By linking Majuli more directly with the mainland, the bridge is expected to foster greater integration and bring development to an otherwise remote and underserved area.

The announcement has been met with optimism by stakeholders across the state, with expectations that construction will begin soon after the tendering process is completed. Once built, the Jorhat–Majuli bridge will stand as a symbol of progress and connectivity in Assam, transforming the travel landscape and opening new avenues for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

In summary, the official tendering of the Jorhat–Majuli bridge project represents a major milestone in Assam’s infrastructure development. It promises to bring lasting benefits to the people of Majuli and the surrounding areas while reflecting the state and central governments’ commitment to improving regional connectivity.