GUWAHATI: An eviction drive is underway on both the northern and southern banks of the Brahmaputra as part of preparations for the proposed new Saraighat Bridge, which is planned to connect the two banks.
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The eviction is being carried out by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) with the assistance of the district administration, an NFR official reportedly said.
At Pandu, near Gate No. 6, more than 500 houses are reportedly located on land identified as encroached. So far, nearly 300 families have been evicted, while the process is expected to continue in the coming days.
The drive is being conducted at both ends of the proposed bridge site, covering encroached areas on the northern and southern banks of the Brahmaputra. The exercise is aimed at clearing land required for the proposed bridge and its related infrastructure.
Preliminary work for the proposed bridge has also progressed, with soil testing and other initial technical activities already completed at the site.
The proposed new Saraighat Bridge is expected to improve connectivity between the northern and southern banks of the Brahmaputra and strengthen transportation links across the river.
However, the ongoing eviction has affected a large number of families who have been living in the area for years. With the clearance process continuing, concerns remain over the rehabilitation and relocation of the affected families.
Authorities are expected to continue the eviction and land-clearance process as further work on the proposed bridge progresses.