Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, the Bogibeel rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra in Assam will strengthen the country’s defence prowess with movement of vehicles. Mr Modi was addressing a rally at Kareng Chapori in Dhemaji district yesterday after dedicating the bridge to the nation at Bogibeel.

The 4.9 kilometre long double-decker bridge is India’s longest and Asia’s second longest rail-cum-road bridge.

The Prime Minister also flagged off the first passenger train Tinsukia-Naharlagun Intercity Express over the bridge which will cut down the train-travel time between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh by more than 10 hours. He said, the bridge would greatly enhance ease of living and connectivity in the north east region.

Mr Modi said for the last four and a half years, the NDA government has pursued the objective of good governance, and the bridge is a symbol of this objective.

The Prime Minister said while only three bridges were built over the Brahmaputra in 60-70 years, three more have been completed in the last four and a half years. Another five are in progress. He said, this pace of development will transform the North-East.