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A bridge across the Brahmaputra, connects reality with hope

That it is not a mere link across the two banks of the mighty Brahmaputra, but more of a lifeline was evident more in action than in words.

Soon after Prime Minister A B Vajpayee's chopper took off after he inaugurated the bridge on April 15, the people who had waited for more than three decades for their dream to fructify, burst into uncontrolled happiness. The sea of humanity, numbering some 50,000, surged to Naranarayan Setu in total abandon.

Some cried, some yelled in joy, embraced each other, or blew trumpets. Others danced, blew whistles, and the daredevils among them even climbed atop the railings, reducing the security personnel into mute bystanders.

For these people of the most downtrodden area of Assam, the third bridge across the Brahmaputra brings hope amid desperation. It is not just the end of geographical isolation that the bridge symbolises, but more a window to hope. Till now the other bank meant insurmountable distance, a day's whole journey and an endless wait for the ferry. But now it is a mere half-an-hour walk down the bridge or a five-minute bus ride to cross the river.

For something so simple as this, the people have waited for 15 long years since the foundation stone was laid by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

The most to benefit from the bridge will be the farmers. This is an agriculturally rich region but because of poor transport they have always been exploited. Now they hope things will change, and naturally they were part of the carnival nurturing expectations of a better life.

The sea of humanity remained on the bridge the whole day, and obviously it was the best 'Bihu' gift they could have got.

They realise that a substantial portion of the goods transport would be diverted from the north bank to the south bank, opening up an opportunity for downstream industry.

Already land is being cleared for roadside dhabas while the existing ones are being expanded to provide better facilities. The telephone lines are being stretched and the boom is about to begin.

As compared to the north bank, the south bank is less problematic. Not only is it less endangered by floods but more importantly, the area is relatively free from the insurgency which should encourage transporters.

But the bridge doesn't signify good news for all. The smaller trawlers, for long the lifeline of both the sides, are the first to be hit. Although a skeletal service would surely be continued, their importance would be vastly reduced. That was evident on the day of the inauguration itself as hundreds of smaller boats returned half-empty from the north to the south bank or Goalpara town.

But still, for them, the satisfaction lay in that the geographical isolation was over. The situation would further improve once the railways begins operations in the southern bank, which, according to promises, should be ready by the year-end.

UNI

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