Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday marked the second day of his Barak Valley tour by laying the foundation stone for a crucial RCC bridge over the River Barak at Madhuraghat, Silchar. The structure, planned to link Madhuramukh with Silchar city near the Gandhighat rice mill, is sanctioned under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for the year 2025–26. Including approach roads and safety components, the project carries an estimated cost of over `79 crore and will span a total length of 340 metres.
Once finished, the bridge promises to unite the geographically segregated areas of Itkhola and Dudhpatil across the river, ushering in significant economic and infrastructural transformation. By reducing the inter-point distance by approximately 8 kilometres, the project will ensure smoother transit for people and goods, resulting in considerable savings in time and fuel, and ultimately helping to curb the prices of essential commodities. The Chief Minister firmly assured that the bridge would be completed within two years, fulfilling a long-standing local demand for seamless connectivity.
CM Sarma used the occasion to highlight the unprecedented development witnessed by the region over the past five years. He noted that major bridges, including the Annapurna Setu, Badri Setu and Sonai Setu, have been commissioned, while the Silghat bridge is nearing its halfway completion mark. Another key structure at Karatigram is scheduled for completion by October next year. He further mentioned several ongoing bridge projects over the Barak River by the National Highways
and Infrastructure Development Corporation at locations like Katakhal, Sialtek, Gauri Setu and Sonabari Ghat. Terming the current phase a “golden period” for the Barak Valley, the Chief Minister also informed the gathering that approval for the Dolu airport is anticipated shortly, alongside the already approved `564 crore elevated corridor project for Silchar city. He pledged the Government’s continued commitment to advancing the region. CM Himanta lays foundation stone of RCC bridge over the River Barak at Madhurghat, Silchar on Sunday.