Assam's Longest Flyover Nears Completion, Set for March Inauguration
The Maharaja Prithu Flyover, spanning over 5 kilometers and connecting Ambari to Bamunimaidam along the MRD Road in Guwahati, is approaching its final construction phase. According to senior officials from the Public Works Department (Roads), this landmark infrastructure project is expected to be inaugurated by the end of February or within the first fortnight of March.
Historical Significance and Construction Progress
Named after Maharaja Prithu, the 13th-century ruler of Kamarupa known for his military resistance against early Muslim invasions, the flyover represents a significant engineering achievement for Assam. A source from the PWD (Roads) department confirmed that all ground works and the placement of heavyweight fabricated steel girders onto the flyover's pillars have been successfully completed.
The construction process faced several challenges, particularly during the installation of steel girders and ground operations. However, the source noted that once work commenced above the pillars, progress continued without major obstructions.
Logistical Challenges and Night Operations
One of the primary hurdles in the project's timeline was the limited time available for critical operations. The department had only about five hours each night to lift and place the fabricated steel girders onto the pillars. These heavy lifting operations were conducted around midnight when traffic subsided on the congested and narrow MRD Road, continuing until approximately 5 or 6 am.
The source explained that if more time had been available for these crucial activities, the project could have been completed earlier. Despite these constraints, the team managed to maintain steady progress through careful planning and execution.
Structural Integration and Remaining Work
The flyover intersects with the existing Anandaram Barua Setu at the Chandmari flyover, which leads to RG Baruah Road. According to officials, the flyover has already been connected to the existing bridge at this intersection point, with only concrete work remaining to finalize this connection.
Project Timeline and Expected Benefits
Construction began shortly after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone on January 1, 2024. Once operational, the Maharaja Prithu Flyover is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Ambari and Bamunimaidam, easing traffic congestion and reducing travel time for thousands of commuters daily.
Engineering Choice: Steel Girders Over RCC
Engineers involved in the project explained the rationale behind using fabricated steel girders instead of conventional Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) structures. The decision was based on several advantages:
- Durability: Steel girders have a lifespan of over 50 years before their strength begins to gradually decline
- Ease of Handling: Steel components are more manageable during construction
- Faster Installation: Significantly shorter installation time compared to RCC structures
While conventional RCC structures can last up to 100 years depending on engineering quality, steel girders have become the preferred choice for major construction projects in Guwahati in recent years. This approach has been implemented in all major flyovers constructed in the city, demonstrating a shift toward more efficient construction methodologies.
The completion of the Maharaja Prithu Flyover marks another milestone in Guwahati's infrastructure development, addressing growing transportation needs while honoring the region's historical legacy through its naming.
