Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday inaugurated the Maharaj Prithu Flyover, a 4.2-km-long four-lane flyover in Guwahati built at a cost of over Rs 852 crore.
The flyover, constructed along GNB Road, connects Dighalipukhuri with Noonmati and is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity between eastern and central parts of the city. The project was completed in about 28 months.
According to officials, the flyover will help reduce travel time along one of Guwahati’s busiest corridors and improve traffic flow in key areas of the city.
To allow residents to access the new structure, certain stretches of the flyover will be opened as temporary walking zones for three days. Two sections — from Chandmari to Guwahati Club — will remain designated for pedestrians during this period.
Authorities have also indicated plans to connect the Ulubari Flyover with the Guwahati Club Flyover to facilitate smoother vehicular movement in central Guwahati. Officials said heavy vehicles will be allowed to use the Maharaj Prithu Flyover once it is fully operational.
The project was initially planned to be 5.05 km long, but its length was reduced following protests by residents against the proposed cutting of century-old trees along the historic Dighalipukhuri tank.
The demonstrations in October–November 2024 led to the intervention of the Gauhati High Court after a Public Interest Litigation was filed. The state government later revised the design to avoid the area and prevent tree cutting.
At the inaugural event, CM Sarma also announced that land pattas will be granted to nearly 12,000 families living in the hilly areas of Guwahati, a step aimed at providing legal recognition to long-settled residents.
The inauguration programme was attended by ministers, government officials and local residents.