Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the proposed underwater tunnel connecting Gohpur and Numaligarh is primarily a national security initiative. He emphasized that the government is prioritizing strategic defense over economic gains or traffic volume requirements.
Sarma explained that traditional bridges over the Brahmaputra River face significant risks during wartime. He noted that infrastructure like the Bogibeel and Kaliabhomora bridges remain vital for regional logistics, yet they could become vulnerable targets if a conflict arises. The new tunnel aims to guarantee uninterrupted movement between the north and south banks of the river regardless of emergency situations.
According to the Chief Minister, the project aligns with the broader infrastructure vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During a press briefing, Sarma stated, "The underwater tunnel between Gohpur and Numaligarh is an example of the strategic importance of Assam in the larger vision of the Hon'ble Prime Minister. The project is not being driven by vehicular demand or economic profit."
The federal government moved to support the construction to ensure the state remains connected under all circumstances. This project will bolster Assam's strategic infrastructure network and secure essential transport links across the region.
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