Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the country's longest bridge, stretching to 9.15 km, over the Lohit river in Assam on the third anniversary of his government and said the NDA was working to make the northeast region a trade hub for southeast Asia.
The bridge, named after the legendary lyricist-singer Bhupen Hazarika who was from Sadiya, would serve as the foundation for a new economic revolution and help India in its efforts to become a superpower, he said. Speaking on the Act East Policy, he said he wanted the northeast region to become a trade hub for southeast Asia by connecting the area for economic activity.
“We are laying stress on development of infrastructure and make the northeast a tourism centre," Modi said, adding: “The bridge will not only save money, reduce travel time but comes as a foundation for the beginning of a new economic revolution.”
Bearing in mind the necessity for quick movement of troops and artillery to the bordering state of Arunachal, the bridge has been designed to accommodate the movement of tanks, official sources said.
With importance accorded to quick movement of military troops and artillery, the bridge has been designed to allow movement of tanks, official sources said. The bridge is an engineering marvel and is capable of withstanding the weight of a 60 tonne battle tank.
(With PTI Inputs)
