Brahmaputra to Get New Connecting Bridge Under Agthori–Kamakhya Rail Project
New Connecting Bridge Planned Under Agthori–Kamakhya Railway Doubling Project
The doubling work of the Agthori–Kamakhya railway section is progressing with the aim of strengthening rail connectivity across Guwahati. A new connecting bridge is being planned as one of the key components of the project.
According to reports, the main section of the bridge will feature a Welded Open Web Girder (WOWG) superstructure, with a main span of approximately 125 metres. The bridge will be connected to approach viaducts measuring around 600 metres on the Agthori side and approximately 200 metres on the Kamakhya side.
According to information attributed to Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kpinjal Kishore Sharma, the viaducts will be constructed on pile foundations. A composite girder superstructure will be used to accommodate both railway and road infrastructure.
The integrated double-decker structure will have four road spans on either side. The new system will also be connected to a road link being constructed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). This is expected to improve connectivity with the road network towards Jalukbari on one side and Agthori on the other.
The 7.20-kilometre Agthori–Kamakhya railway doubling project was approved by the Railway Ministry in 2024. Following the approval, detailed planning and the tendering process for the project were initiated. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been entrusted with the execution of the project.
However, carrying out construction in densely populated areas of Guwahati has presented several challenges, particularly in terms of land acquisition and shifting existing utilities.
According to Sharma, land acquisition, removal of encroachments and relocation of various existing utilities were among the major challenges faced during the project. With the cooperation of the state government and local administration, a significant portion of these issues has already been resolved, according to the Northeast Frontier Railway.
The project is expected to play an important role in improving rail infrastructure and strengthening connectivity in and around Guwahati once completed.
