Binding the Brahmaputra

This is the tale of how the majestic Brahmaputra, the historic river was tamed to create India's longest bridge- the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge. The hurdles and difficulties faced by the team of engineers fell short of their determination and grit.

Beautiful Sunrise at Dhola Sadiya Bridge. Image Source: Telegraph India

A nation's infrastructure is dependent on its connectivity. Roads and bridges play a vital role in connecting a vast nation like India with diverse geographical conditions. In a remarkable testament to human ingenuity and engineering prowess, the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, known also as the Bhupen Hazarika Setu, has emerged as a pivotal infrastructure project in the northeastern reaches of India. Spanning the majestic Brahmaputra River, this monumental structure is rewriting the narrative of connectivity and accessibility in the region.

The Dhola-Sadiya Bridge connects the cities of Dhola in Assam with Sadiya in Arunachal Pradesh and is firmly positioned over the Lohit River, a key tributary of the Brahmaputra. This geographical achievement spans a stunning 9.15 kilometres, cementing its reputation as one of the nation's most magnificent bridges. Travelling between these two states before it existed was a difficult process that frequently depended on ferries that had to face the Brahmaputra's unpredictable currents. The monsoon season, when the river's rising levels interrupted routine transit, was when this logistical problem was the most noticeable.

However, the story witnessed a clear turn with the opening of the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge in May 2017. The bridge's clever placement greatly reduced travel times and revolutionized the flow of people and products. The effects spread across several areas, reviving economic activity, and boosting travel opportunities.

Dhola-Sadiya Bridge was constructed to endure the region's difficult topography and hydrological complexity, as well as the Brahmaputra's powerful currents and seismic instability. Navyuga Engineering Company handled the construction of the bridge. Initial construction started in November 2011 with estimated completion scheduled for 2015. The bridge's completion date was pushed back to 2017 owing to construction delays and expense hikes. The total project cost approximately 1,000 crore rupees and the project was completed in five years.

Aerial view of the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge. Image source: Wikipedia

The monetary revenue of the bridge is generated through checkpoints placed at two points of the bridge. Assam police are always posted on the bridge for security and emergency reasons. The bridge also serves as a pivotal point in the nation's defence. The bridge was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 26 May 2017. The Prime Minister addressed the excellence and congratulated the engineers for achieving this massive feat. The bridge was dedicated to the people of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and was named after Bhupen Hazarika, the Indian filmmaker from Assam.

The bridge plays a vital role in India's defence assets, especially in the sensitive geopolitical location of Arunachal Pradesh. It also aids in enhancing national security by offering a dependable route for the movement of military people and equipment. The bridge is designed to handle the mobilisation of the Indian army's battle tanks, some of which can weigh up to 60 tonnes. The bridge is also equipped with advanced seismic dampeners to handle earthquakes.

This massive feat of architecture is a great example of the leaps and bounds India is taking in terms of infrastructure. The bridge has made commuting easy for the locals and opened new sources for development. The seasonal rush of tourists has also lowered allowing a better experience. Bhupen Hazarika or Dhola Sadiya Bridge has also become a hotspot for tourists who rush to experience India's largest bridge over the majestic Brahmaputra River.