The Project will construct a bridge over the Brahmaputra river with a total length of 12.2 km between Palasbari and Sualkuchi towns of the GMA. The bridge design extensively uses innovative technologies and considers the environment and sustainability aspects.

The Project also includes activities to strengthen institutional capacity of the APWRD.

In addition to improved connectivity between the north and south parts of the GMA, the Project will provide diversion for regional and urban traffic in order to bypass the central business district of Guwahati, and to directly link the international airport to the industrial areas around Sualkuchi, which are currently under development.

The Project will contribute towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. In particular, it will contribute to target 9.1 – develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional & transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.

The Project is planned to be implemented in 4 years.

GoA, the project entity, will implement the Project through its APWRD.

The Project has been classified as Category A in accordance with NDB Environment and Social Framework (NDB ESF).

The main environmental and social (E&S) impacts are related to (i) the impacts on aquatic ecology of Brahmaputra river that is inhabited by endangered Ganges River Dolphins (Platanista Gangetica), (ii) land acquisition and resettlement, and (iii) construction related environmental impacts and occupational safety.

The E&S impacts will be mitigated by adherence to E&S management plans developed for the Project based on the country system and NDB ESF, as well as implementation of the Environmental and Social Impact Management Plan.

The Project will be financed through a loan from NDB and counterpart funding from GoA.