Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently announced the construction of five new Guwahati foot overbridges. These new overbridges are aimed at easing pedestrian movement across busy city roads. Additionally, he confirmed that the new terminal of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport will be completed by November 2025.
The dual announcements reflect a broader effort to modernize Guwahati and address long-standing traffic and pedestrian safety issues.
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Five New Guwahati Foot Overbridges to Ease Congestion
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement during a review of ongoing city development projects. He revealed that five new Guwahati foot overbridges will be constructed across major roads, particularly in high-traffic zones.
These include:
- Ganeshguri
- Ulubari
- Bhangagarh
- GS Road near Down Town Hospital
- Six Mile
All these locations see regular traffic jams and pedestrian movement, which often results in congestion and safety risks. The new foot overbridges aim to offer safer and faster movement for pedestrians while reducing traffic snarls.
According to the CM, these overbridges will be equipped with escalators and elevators to make them accessible for older people and persons with disabilities. The design will also include modern architectural elements and proper lighting to enhance visibility at night.
CM Reviews LGBI Airport Terminal Progress
Alongside the foot overbridge projects, the CM visited the construction site of the new terminal building at LGBI Airport. After reviewing the site, he confirmed that the terminal would be fully operational by November 2025.
The LGBI terminal expansion is a major infrastructure project that aims to boost the airport’s capacity to 10 million passengers annually. Once completed, the terminal will include:
- 64 check-in counters
- 20 self-baggage drop systems
- 10 aerobridges
- Advanced security and baggage screening systems
The new terminal is being built at a cost of over ₹1,200 crore and will not only improve passenger experience but also enhance Guwahati’s appeal as a key gateway to the Northeast.
CM Sarma expressed satisfaction with the progress. “We are confident that the LGBI terminal will be ready by November. This will take Guwahati’s connectivity and infrastructure to the next level,” he said.
Urban Transformation Underway in Guwahati
The announcements of the Guwahati foot overbridges and the LGBI terminal come at a time when Guwahati is undergoing rapid transformation. The city has witnessed several infrastructure upgrades in recent years, including flyovers, road expansions, and drainage improvements.
Moreover, the Assam government has been focusing on easing traffic in key areas such as Dispur, Khanapara, and Beltola, where population and vehicle density have risen significantly. The new foot overbridges are expected to help reduce pedestrian accidents, a growing concern in areas like Ganeshguri and Bhangagarh.
At the same time, the upgraded airport terminal will better serve the increasing volume of travelers and cargo, especially with rising tourism and business activities in the region.
Public Reaction and Expectations
The public has welcomed the announcement, particularly the plan to install escalators and elevators in the overbridges. Residents often complain about the lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in Guwahati, especially in commercial and hospital zones.
Local businesses also expect increased footfall and smoother traffic flow as a result of these upgrades. For airport users, the terminal expansion promises a better travel experience, which could significantly impact tourism and business links with the rest of India and neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh.
However, some urban planners have raised concerns about the maintenance of existing infrastructure. They caution that new structures must be properly maintained and integrated into a long-term city planning strategy.
Government’s Focus on Smart Infrastructure
These developments align with the Assam government’s broader goals under the Smart City Mission. The CM has reiterated that Guwahati will be developed as a model city with improved urban infrastructure, green spaces, smart transport, and seamless digital services.
The introduction of the Guwahati foot overbridges, coupled with the LGBI terminal’s near-completion, underscores the government’s commitment to deliver on these promises.
The construction of five new Guwahati foot overbridges and the nearing completion of the LGBI airport terminal reflect a focused effort to modernize Assam’s capital. With these upgrades, Guwahati is set to become safer, more connected, and more efficient. Residents, tourists, and business travellers can expect a noticeable improvement in both road mobility and air travel experience by the end of this year.
As the November deadline approaches, all eyes will remain on how smoothly these ambitious projects are executed and integrated into the city’s growing urban framework.
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