Second Saraighat Bridge Project to Transform Connectivity Across Brahmaputra
By Dalim Phukan
Guwahati, Sep 23: The Second Saraighat Rail-cum-Road Bridge, along with the doubling of the Agthori–Kamakhya railway section, is set to significantly strengthen rail and road connectivity across the Brahmaputra and augment transportation capacity for Guwahati and the wider Northeastern region.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is undertaking the 7.20-km railway-doubling project between Agthori and Kamakhya stations, which was sanctioned by the Ministry of Railways in 2024. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been entrusted with execution of the project.
The existing Saraighat Bridge, completed in September 1962, has served as a crucial link between the northern and southern banks of the Brahmaputra for more than six decades. With passenger and freight traffic continuing to increase, the expansion of capacity along this important corridor has assumed greater significance.
A key component of the project is the proposed 1.3-km-long double-decker rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra. The lower deck will carry two railway lines, while the upper deck will accommodate a three-lane road carriageway along with a footpath. The existing Saraighat Bridge has a single railway line and a two-lane road.
The new bridge will be constructed on well foundations with a welded Open Web Girder superstructure having a span length of 125 metres. It will be connected to approach viaducts on both sides, measuring approximately 600 metres on the Agthori side and 200 metres on the Kamakhya side.
According to NFR, the project has faced challenges relating to land acquisition, removal of encroachments and shifting of existing utilities because of its location in a densely developed urban area. With support from the State Government and local administration, a substantial portion of these issues has already been addressed.
Engineering activities have also progressed considerably, with geotechnical investigations completed and major engineering, design and construction drawing works underway.
The project is being planned with modern construction technology, digital engineering, quality assurance and safety measures. Advanced digital monitoring and bridge instrumentation systems will also be incorporated to monitor the structure and its performance.
The new bridge will also interface with road approaches being developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), providing connectivity towards Jalukbari on one side and the Agthori-side road network on the other. The integration of rail, road and approach infrastructure is expected to strengthen multimodal connectivity across the Brahmaputra.
The additional railway capacity is expected to facilitate smoother movement of passenger and freight traffic, while the three-lane road component will enhance connectivity between the northern and southern banks of Guwahati.
With preparatory works substantially progressed, the project is now entering the execution phase. L&T is undertaking mobilisation and preparatory activities, with piling works targeted to commence from October 2026. Other major construction activities are expected to gather pace during the current financial year.
The project is scheduled for completion within the next few years. Once completed, the Second Saraighat Rail-cum-Road Bridge is expected to augment rail and road capacity across the Brahmaputra and strengthen the transportation network of Assam and the Northeastern region.
