The Bridge Of New Beginnings
Eclectic Northeast|February 2019

We explore how the Bogibeel bridge is much more than just a way to travel from Dhemaji to Dibrugarh faster.

Manjum Mahanta
The Bridge Of New Beginnings

A full-sized elephant crossing the river while balancing on two ferry boats, sounds like a scene out of a James Bond movie. But what seems like fiction was all in a day’s work for the experienced boatmen serving in the ghats of Bogibeel. For years, people, and apparently elephants, travelled between Dhemaji and Dibrugarh via ferry boats. And while it was the most effective way to travel between the two districts back then, it wasn’t always the most convenient, and at times, life threatening, which is why the inauguration of the Bogibeel bridge was welcomed by masses on both sides of the river. We uncover more about the bridge and how life has changed for residents on both sides since its inauguration.

Years in the Making

The bridge is an example of massive engineering excellence and a sign of infrastructural development in the Northeast. It was former Prime Minister HD Deva Gowda, who laid the foundation stone for the bridge back in January 1997, the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee inaugurated the construction in April 2002. However, actual work on the bridge began in 2011. After 16 years and having missed several deadlines, the delay resulted in the project’s cost increasing from the initial estimate of 1,767 crore to 4,996 crore approximately.

One of the major challenges in the construction was finding the right manpower. In an interview, R.V.R Kishore, project director for HCC (Hindustan Construction Company) had revealed, ‘Getting the required manpower to work on this project in this part of the country, that too ensuring they were technically qualified was a task.’ Eventually, they managed to mobilise 120 engineers and 300 welders from different parts of India.

This story is from the February 2019 edition of Eclectic Northeast.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the February 2019 edition of Eclectic Northeast.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ECLECTIC NORTHEASTView All
Time For Home Improvement!
Eclectic Northeast

Time For Home Improvement!

Here are some home improvement projects that even absolute beginners will get right

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
Coping With Anxiety
Eclectic Northeast

Coping With Anxiety

Here are a few ways that you can deal with anxiety that you may be feeling because of the on-going pandemic

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
The Spread Continues
Eclectic Northeast

The Spread Continues

According to official reports, African Swine Fever has killed more than 1,700 pigs in Mizoram

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
Take the Unexplored Path
Eclectic Northeast

Take the Unexplored Path

If you are looking for an underrated destination to explore this year, plan a trip to the charming town of Likabali

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2021
The Lotus Blooms Again
Eclectic Northeast

The Lotus Blooms Again

The Congress-led grand alliance bites dust in Assam as BJP retains power again in 2021

time-read
10+ mins  |
June 2021
Painting Heritage
Eclectic Northeast

Painting Heritage

An up-and-coming artist from Nagaland wants to share his culture and heritage through works of art

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2021
MUSINGS OF A SOLDIER: TIT-BITS
Eclectic Northeast

MUSINGS OF A SOLDIER: TIT-BITS

People often ask me about my life out of uniform. Honestly, I have had no problems. Not so far. Instead, I find it quite refreshing. No routine, no parades, no briefing, no impending operations. Having donned the uniform since the age of thirteen until I hung up my boots last year, could I ever visualize life out of uniform? Not really. But, as I said, the transition has been quite smooth–no hang-overs, no regrets. People have been very positive in their interactions. Government departments have been responsive whenever I have approached for assistance.The genuine respect for the uniform is quite evident and it makes my heart swell with pride. Arunachal, to that extent, is the most nationalistic state in the country, I daresay. It has been kind of a revelation for me to experience the freedom of being a common man in an environment of positivity!

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2021
Look Good, Feel Good!
Eclectic Northeast

Look Good, Feel Good!

Here are four cruelty-free makeup brands that deserve a spot in your vanity bag

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
Manipur Introduces Gender Budget
Eclectic Northeast

Manipur Introduces Gender Budget

The main objective is to bring forward a gender perspective at all stages of policy making

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2021
TAKING DAAKOR BOSON TO THE WORLD
Eclectic Northeast

TAKING DAAKOR BOSON TO THE WORLD

Two artists are using visually appealing artwork to spark conversations about Assam, and the region

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2021