GUWAHATI, Nov 6 � Governor JB Patnaik today suggested that the Saraighat Bridge should be renamed as Lachit Barphukan Bridge to pay homage to the great Ahom General. He also said that the Railway should expedite the construction of the Bogibeel Bridge over the river Brahmaputra.
Speaking at a function organized by the Railways to mark the golden jubilee of the Saraighat Bridge this afternoon, the Governor said that the military exploits of Lachit Barphukan can be compared with that of Shivaji. He said that a chapter on Lachit Barphukan should be included in the history textbooks all over India.
Calling for the renaming of the Saraighat Bridge, the Governor said that a statue of Lachit Barphukan along with a marble plaque with the history of the Saraighat war should be installed near the Bridge. He described the Saraighat Bridge as an engineering marvel and dwelt at length on the glorious history of the bridge, which is connecting the North East region with the rest of the country.
Patnaik lamented that though the Saraighat Bridge was constructed within three years at a cost of Rs 10.60 crore, the Bogibeel bridge, construction of which started way back in 2002, is yet to be completed and the cost of the same has been escalated to Rs 2400 crore. Calling for expediting the construction of the Bogibeel Bridge, he said that the Railway should not compromise on its reputation. He also suggested that all the major bridges constructed in future should be rail cum road bridges.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that the Saraighat Bridge not only improved connectivity to the North East but also improved national integration. He said that improvement of connectivity is vital for economic development. He said that he was a witness to the construction of the historic bridge and the people of this part of the country had to cross the river Brahmaputra in ferries before its construction.
Gogoi assured that the State Government would extend all possible help to the Railways for the early completion of the ongoing projects and on its part, the Railways should also gear up to face the challenges. He further stressed the need for introduction of new express trains.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government has been pressing the Centre to sanction more bridges to improve connectivity and the Prime Minister has already cleared the Dhola-Sadiya bridge. He said that the State Government is also putting pressure on the Centre for the construction of the Phulbari-Dhubri bridge.
The Member , Technical of the Railways, AP Mishra said that the Railways are spending around Rs 2000 to Rs 2500 crore on new projects in the North East region. He sought the cooperation of the State Government in matters of security and land acquisition to ensure early completion of the projects and assured that the Railway would never compromise on quality.
The General Manager of the NF Railway RS Virdi delivered the welcome address.