Second Saraighat Bridge Project

Second Saraighat Bridge project in Assam is set to move ahead as the Ministry of Railways prepares to begin work on a new rail-cum-road bridge across the Brahmaputra near Guwahati. The project includes a 1.3-km double-decker bridge along with the doubling of the railway track between Agthori and Kamakhya stations over a distance of 7.20 km.

The new infrastructure is expected to strengthen road and railway connectivity around Guwahati and improve the movement of trains and vehicles across the Brahmaputra. The project is being developed under the Northeast Frontier Railway zone and is targeted for completion by December 2029.

Second Saraighat Bridge Over the Brahmaputra

The Second Saraighat Bridge will be constructed across the Brahmaputra near Guwahati. The bridge is planned as a double-decker structure, allowing railway and road traffic to use separate levels.

The lower deck will carry two railway lines, while the upper deck will have a three-lane road carriageway along with a footpath. This design will allow both rail and road traffic to cross the river through the same major infrastructure project.

The Brahmaputra is one of the major rivers of the Indian subcontinent and plays an important role in Assam’s geography, transport and economy. A new crossing near Guwahati is therefore expected to have an important role in regional connectivity.

1.3-Km Double-Decker Bridge

The main bridge component of the Second Saraighat Bridge project will be around 1.3 km long. Its double-decker design will provide separate transportation facilities at different levels.

Two railway lines will run on the lower deck. The upper deck will carry road traffic through a three-lane carriageway. A footpath will also be provided for pedestrians.

The combination of railway and road facilities is intended to make better use of the crossing and support increasing transport requirements in and around Guwahati.

Railway Track Doubling Between Agthori and Kamakhya

Along with the bridge, the project includes doubling of the railway track between Agthori and Kamakhya stations. The railway-doubling section will cover approximately 7.20 km.

The Ministry of Railways sanctioned the railway-doubling work in 2024. Having an additional railway track on this important section can provide more capacity for train movement and help reduce pressure on the existing railway infrastructure.

The Agthori-Kamakhya section is particularly important because Kamakhya is a major railway location in Assam, while the route connects important parts of the Northeast with the wider Indian railway network.

Project Cost and Approval

The bridge project was sanctioned during the 2023–24 financial year with an estimated cost of ₹1,473.77 crore. The original estimate was recorded as ₹14,737.7 million.

The Railway Board has been involved in monitoring the project. Detailed estimates were approved by the Railway Board in February 2024.

The project is being implemented under the administrative control of the Northeast Frontier Railway, which manages railway operations and infrastructure across a large part of the northeastern region.

Design and Preparatory Work Completed

Several important stages of preparation for the Second Saraighat Bridge have already been completed.

Geotechnical investigations for the bridge have been carried out. These investigations are important for understanding the soil and ground conditions before major foundation work begins.

The design, drawings and project report were finalised in March 2025. With these stages completed, preparatory activities have moved forward towards the main construction phase.

Piling work is targeted to begin from October 2026. Piling will form an important part of the foundation work because the bridge will be constructed across the Brahmaputra.

Larsen & Toubro to Execute the Project

Larsen & Toubro has been entrusted with the execution of the project. The company will be involved in the construction work associated with the bridge and related infrastructure.

Large bridge projects over major rivers require detailed engineering, strong foundations and careful planning. Construction activities also need to consider river conditions, soil characteristics and the movement of trains and vehicles around the project area.

The preparatory work completed so far is expected to support the start of piling and other major construction activities.

Better Connectivity Around Guwahati

The Second Saraighat Bridge is expected to strengthen connectivity around Guwahati by providing another crossing over the Brahmaputra for both railway and road traffic.

Guwahati is a major transport centre in Assam and serves as an important connection between the Northeast and other parts of India. The city’s road and railway networks handle a large volume of passengers and goods.

An additional bridge can provide another route for transport and support the movement of people and goods across the river.

Importance for Railway Connectivity

The railway component of the project is particularly important because the bridge will provide two railway lines on its lower deck. The associated 7.20-km track-doubling work between Agthori and Kamakhya will also add railway capacity to the route.

Railway track doubling allows trains to operate on separate tracks in both directions, making train movement more flexible. It can also support the introduction of additional services when required.

For a region where railway connectivity plays a major role in the movement of passengers and goods, additional track capacity can support future transport demand.

Road Transport and Pedestrian Facility

The upper deck of the Second Saraighat Bridge will include a three-lane road carriageway. A footpath will also be provided for pedestrians.

The inclusion of a dedicated pedestrian facility is important for people who need to cross the river without using motor vehicles. The road component will provide additional capacity for vehicles travelling between the areas connected by the bridge.

By combining railway, road and pedestrian facilities, the project is designed as a major multi-purpose transport crossing.

Target Completion in December 2029

According to the project timeline, the Second Saraighat Bridge and associated works are targeted for completion by December 2029.

Piling activities are expected to begin in October 2026 after the completion of major preparatory and design-related work. Construction will then progress through the foundation, structural and transportation-related stages.

Once completed, the project will add a major new transport link across the Brahmaputra and increase railway capacity between Agthori and Kamakhya.

The project is part of the broader effort to improve transport infrastructure in Assam and strengthen connectivity across the Northeast. With a 1.3-km double-decker bridge, two railway lines, a three-lane road carriageway and 7.20 km of railway doubling, the Second Saraighat Bridge will bring together several important transport facilities in one major infrastructure project.