
07/02/2025
Majuli-Jorhat Bridge Construction Halted for Six Months, Protests Erupt for Immediate Resumption
7th February, 2025, Majuli: The construction of the Majuli-Jorhat bridge has been stalled for the past six months, prompting strong protests from local residents. Today, starting at 11 am, the Majuli District Students' Union, along with local citizens, gathered at the bridge construction site to demand that the construction resume immediately.
The construction of the Majuli-Jorhat bridge was officially initiated in 2021 with the inauguration of the first pillar. However, the project came to a halt on September 5, 2024, due to a dispute between the main contractor and the subcontractor. Since then, the work has remained stalled, leading to growing frustration among the people of Majuli.
Protestors, holding banners and chanting slogans such as "Assam Government Hai Hai," "Central Government Hai Hai," "Stop Manipulation of Majuli," and "Build Bridge Soon," voiced their anger at both the state and central governments for the delay in completing the vital infrastructure.
Speaking during the protest, Surya Kumar Bhuyan, advisor of the Majuli District Students' Union, emphasized the emotional significance of the bridge for the people of Majuli. "The Majuli-Jorhat bridge is the passion of the people of Majuli. If the government does not fulfill its promises, the people of Majuli will respond appropriately," Bhuyan said.
Bitupan Sharma,Cultural Secretary of AASU, Pranjal Saikia, President of the Majuli District Students' Union, and Dipankar Rajkhowar, General Secretary, led the protest and submitted a memorandum to Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma through Additional Deputy Commissioner of Majuli Bharat Konwar. Alongside them were other leaders, including Rangaras Mohanta, the central executive of the union, Dulal Chandra Bhuyan, Central Secretary of Assam Unnati Sabha, Dr. Arup Kumar Bora, President of Majuli District Unnati Sabha, and Deepak Neog, co-convener of Assam Sena.
The protesters urged both the central and state governments to announce a clear timeline for the resumption of work and to complete the bridge within the stipulated timeframe. They demanded that the bridge be constructed quickly and comprehensively to meet the needs of the people of Majuli, who have been eagerly waiting for this critical infrastructure to improve their connectivity and quality of life.
By-Bhaskar Jyoti Kataky
Majuli Island, Assam