A walk around the Brahmaputra River is set to become an enriching experience in the coming years based on the initiative undertaken by the Guwahati Smart City Limited (GSCL).
A major beautification project along the Brahmaputra riverfront, mooted by GSCL, has been given a go-ahead by the Chief Minister following his meeting with its board of directors. Once implemented, the riverfront will have a walkway for people for recreational purposes with sitting arrangement, night illumination, and facility for cycling and leisurely sightseeing. (See Box)
SALIENT FEATURES
- 15m wide walkway proposed at a level of 51.5m
- The promenade will be functional throughout the year irrespective of the water level
The Chief Minister directed officials to accord top priority to complete different components of the projects expeditiously after approving the 1.3 km Brahmaputra riverfront development project with a financial outlay of ₹ 370 crore.
Guwahati was selected among the first 20 cities of the country to be developed as a Smart City by the Smart City Mission programme of the Government of India. Accordingly, the Assam Government had constituted a special purpose vehicle (SPV) –GSCL to plan, design, implement, coordinate and monitor the smart city projects in Guwahati.
ITD Cementation Pvt Ltd is working on the project targeted to be completed on March 17, 2025.
Assam Housing & Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal told Asom Barta that work is in full swing to meet the deadline, despite initial hiccups.
“Though the idea for this project was mooted a few years back, it never gathered pace. With the Chief Minister’s initiative, it has got a new lease of life. Construction is in full swing. We are hopeful that we will be able to meet the deadline,” Singhal said.
The Minister added that the project, apart from Guwahati’s beautification, would boost tourism in the State.