Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday inaugurated the newly constructed Dinesh Goswami Flyover at Bharalumukh in Guwahati. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Saraighat War Memorial at Panbazar and laid the foundation stone for the expansion project of the Brahmaputra Riverfront Park.
Constructed at a cost of ₹99 crore with joint participation of the State and Central governments, the flyover has a total length of 1.05 kilometres. It is considered one of the fastest-constructed rail overbridges in Northeast India. The new flyover is expected to ensure uninterrupted vehicular movement over the railway line at Bharalumukh, reduce accidents caused by railway crossings, and significantly ease traffic congestion at the busy Bharalumukh traffic junction.
The flyover has been named after former Union Minister Dinesh Goswami.
As part of the city’s beautification drive, the third phase of the Brahmaputra Riverfront Park project has also been taken up. Spread across approximately 2.5 acres, the expansion will feature a pond with a musical fountain as its main attraction.
Adjacent to the pond, the newly inaugurated Saraighat War Memorial has been built to honour the brave warriors who fought alongside Lachit Borphukan against the Mughal forces during the historic Battle of Saraighat. The design of the memorial follows the traditional Ahom architectural style of Upper Assam. The names of 132 martyrs who participated in the battle have been inscribed on the memorial to pay tribute to their sacrifices.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Sarma said that during the celebrations marking the 400th birth anniversary of Lachit Borphukan, several articles, essays and booklets were published highlighting his life and contributions. These works helped identify the brave warriors who supported him during the Battle of Saraighat.
Ancient manuscripts mention the names of 132 individuals, including the Swargadeo, Burhagohain, Borgohain and other officials, who extended various forms of support to Lachit Borphukan. The memorial has been constructed while preserving their ranks and dignities. According to the Chief Minister, the memorial will also help people understand the administrative system of the Ahom era, war preparations and the coordination among different communities at that time.
Sarma further said that the State government is planning to preserve the former official residence of the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court as a heritage site and develop a textile museum there. Plans are also being discussed to connect the Riverfront Park to the Brahmaputra riverbank through the rear side of the residence.
He also announced that the flyover from Noonmati to Dighalipukhuri, scheduled for inauguration on March 10, will be named after Maharaja Prithu. Similarly, the flyover to be inaugurated in Jorhat on March 11 will be named after the legendary figures Maniram Dewan and Piyoli Baruah.
The Chief Minister emphasised that while embracing modern technology, the younger generation must remain connected with Assam’s heritage and traditions. He added that the State government is working to integrate modern infrastructure with the rich historical legacy of the state, and the newly built memorial will also provide valuable opportunities for research.
The programme was attended by Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, Member of Parliament Bijuli Kalita Medhi, MLA Siddhartha Bhattacharya, Guwahati Municipal Corporation Mayor Mrigen Sarania, Chairman of Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority Narayan Deka and several other dignitaries.
