Guwahati has seen some impressive changes throughout the year of 2020. While the year was a boon for some it was also bane for many. With COVID-19 and its drastic effects on humankind on board, it has taken a huge toll on the residents of the city.
Amid this critical situation, some major developments took place within the year and Guwahati was witness to some useful additions.
1. Passenger Ropeway Project across the Brahmaputra Connecting Guwahati & North Guwahati
India’s ‘longest’ passenger ropeway across the Brahmaputra River was unveiled in Guwahati on August 24, almost a year after it was completed and is expected to become a major tourist spot of the city. The ropeway connects North Guwahati to Guwahati City traversing over the 1.8 KM stretch on the mighty Brahmaputra River. Its lower terminal starts from Panbazar Guwahati in front of Nehru Park and its upper terminal is in Rajadwar village, behind Dol Gobinda Temple. The total duration of the trip is 436 seconds one way.
2. Ganeshguri Flyover
The additional wing of the Ganeshguri flyover connecting RG Baruah Road was inaugurated on 22nd October 2020.The flyover’s foundation was laid on 6th March, 2019 and its construction has been completed before the scheduled date of 6th March 2021.The total length of the flyover wing is 425.5 metres and the carriageway (width) of the flyover is 27 metres. The flyover has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 58.74 crores.
3. Kamakhya Golden Shrine
The dome of the Shakti shrine, which was being wrapped with 19 kgs of gold provided by Reliance Industries Limited, was unveiled on 19th November 2020. The project was initiated at special interest of RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani. Officials of the Kamakhya Temple Trust Board said the renewed main dome was open for public at a low-key ceremony where a few officials from Reliance had come to the Nilachal hilltop observing Covid protocols.
4. North Guwahati Bridge
The foundation stone of the North-Guwahati Bridge was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9th February, 2019. The length of the six-lane project will be 8.4 kms with approach roads on both sides of the Brahmaputra as the length of the actual bridge over the river will be 1.24 km. The project is likely to be completed within August, 2023. The extra-dosed bridge will be the first of its kind in the northeast with a project cost of Rs. 2,608 crores and will be implemented by Assam Public Works Department with consultancy services from Systra Engenharia Consultoria Ltd, Brazil, contractor services from M/s SP Singla Construction Pvt Limited and funding agency, New Development Bank. However, 20 percent of the total project cost will be borne by the government of Assam.
5. New Foot Over-Bridge with Lifts
The foot over-bridge in front of the historic Sukreswar Temple at MG Road, Guwahati has been demolished by the Public Works Department (PWD) on 31st August, 2020 for the construction of a new foot over bridge with lifts. The new bridge will have two lifts.
6. State of Art and Infrastructure in Sarusajai Stadium
In an effort to groom talent for future Olympic Games, the Sports Ministry has extended support development projects to the centres that will provide infrastructure upgradation, setting up of sports science facilities and provision of quality coaches and sports science human resources like physiotherapists and strength and conditioning experts. A total of Rs 7.96 crores has been proposed for State Sports Academy, Sarusajai by the government. This project also includes five more centres developed as Khelo India Centers of Excellence.
7. The Other major Foot-bridge and Overbridge developments and uncovered drainage
The footbridges and over bridges are major developments in Guwahati this year. The working procedure for these is further going on. Also, the work to make a better drainage system is going on in some areas of the city.
