Guwahati is set to witness a major infrastructure milestone as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to inaugurate the six-lane Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu over the Brahmaputra on February 14. The bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Guwahati and North Guwahati, transforming daily commuting and regional connectivity.
Often described as a “time cutter,” the bridge will slash travel duration from the current 45 to 60 minutes to just 7 to 10 minutes, bringing the two banks of the Brahmaputra much closer than ever before.
The 1.24-kilometre extradosed bridge forms a key part of an 8.4-kilometre connectivity corridor and has been constructed at an estimated cost of ₹3,300 crore. Designed to handle rising vehicular traffic in Assam’s largest city, the bridge aims to reduce pressure on existing river crossings and improve overall urban mobility.
Until now, commuters have relied heavily on the Saraighat Bridge, which frequently experiences severe congestion, especially during peak hours. Ferry services, another major mode of transport, are often disrupted due to monsoon floods and dense winter fog, making travel unpredictable. The Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu offers a direct, all-weather land route, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity regardless of river conditions.
Beyond easing traffic congestion, the bridge plays a crucial role in Guwahati’s broader urban planning strategy. With the Guwahati High Court and several government offices planned to shift to North Guwahati, the bridge will ensure smooth and rapid access to the northern bank, supporting administrative and infrastructural expansion.
The bridge has been named after Kumar Bhaskar Varma, the 7th-century ruler of the ancient Kamrupa Kingdom. His reign is remembered for ushering in prosperity and strengthening Assam’s political prominence in history.