Guwahati: Newly Inaugurated Kumar Bhaskar Varma Bridge Develops Cracks, Safety Concerns Raised

Guwahati: Following the inauguration of the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Bridge connecting Guwahati and North Guwahati, reports have emerged that cracks have been reported on parts of the newly inaugurated bridge, thus raising concerns over construction quality and safety.

The bridge, inaugurated on February 14 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was built by SPS Construction India Private Limited (SP Singla Company). Visuals from the site show cracks on sections of the bridge’s guard walls, with repair patches already applied in some areas. Cracks have also been noticed on the side walls of the bridge.

Sources further claimed that several cable pillars were inaugurated without proper nut-bolt connections, prompting questions over whether the structure was opened before completion.

Following these developments, the Chief Minister and the state government reportedly announced restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles and four-wheelers on the bridge until March 1. Officials noted that such restrictions were not imposed on previously inaugurated bridges.

The construction company has previously faced scrutiny over bridge projects, including the collapse of a bridge over the Ganga River between Sultanganj and Aguwani in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district. After that incident, IIT Guwahati was tasked with surveying the Guwahati–North Guwahati bridge, though the IIT report was not made public before the inauguration.

Infrastructure Context and Strategic Significance

It may be mentioned that Assam’s infrastructure landscape recently took a major leap with the inauguration of the Rs 3,300-crore Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu over the Brahmaputra. The six-lane, 1.24-kilometre extradosed bridge is designed to reduce travel time between Guwahati and North Guwahati to under ten minutes, replacing long traffic snarls and disrupted ferry services.

The bridge is part of an 8.4-kilometre corridor project aimed at reducing congestion and preparing the city for future urban expansion. With key institutions and infrastructure projects shifting towards North Guwahati, the bridge is expected to play a critical role in seamless connectivity and regional development.

Built under challenging river conditions, the project has been projected by officials as a symbol of engineering precision and planning discipline. Named after ancient Kamrupa king Kumar Bhaskar Varma, the bridge also carries cultural and historical significance.

Government officials believe the bridge will unlock investment potential, reshape trade movement, and strengthen Assam’s role in the economic growth of India’s Northeast.

Concerns and Accountability Questions

Although, the bridge was projected as a flagship infrastructure project for Assam. However, the reported cracks and technical concerns have triggered questions over construction standards, oversight, and accountability mechanisms.

It remains to be seen whether the state government will initiate action against the construction firm over the reported issues.

Also Read: Assam Visit Round-up: PM Modi Inaugurates Bridge, IIM Campus and Data Centre