The Northeast of India is a region full of potential, with Assam serving as a crucial gateway to Meghalaya and several other states. Strengthening this corridor is essential for unlocking greater economic and social prosperity across the region. In this effort, the Government of India, through the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), is developing the Dhubri–Phulbari Bridge—one of the most transformative connectivity projects for Northeast India. By enabling smoother, faster movement of people and goods, the project is set to boost regional trade, improve access to essential services, and deepen India’s connection with its Northeastern states.

The Dhubri–Phulbari Bridge is a four-lane bridge project over the river Brahmaputra, connecting Dhubri in Assam to Phulbari in Meghalaya. It forms a vital part of National Highway 127B and serves as the missing link in the proposed NH-127B alignment between Assam and Meghalaya. Once completed, it will be India’s longest river bridge, stretching across 19.28 kilometres, comprising 12.62 kilometres of extradosed cable-stayed navigable spans, 5.73 kilometres of viaducts, and 0.92 kilometres of approach roads.

This bridge will serve more than two million commuters, becoming the shortest and most efficient connection between the western regions of Meghalaya and the rest of India. The project holds strategic significance as it will not only enhance regional connectivity but also strengthen India’s access to international trade corridors linking Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and beyond.

From Hours to Minutes

At present, the only means of direct travel between Dhubri and Phulbari is through ferry services that take about 2.5 hours to 3 hours. These ferries, while essential for local commuters, are often disrupted by floods, strong river currents, and unpredictable weather conditions. The alternative to this route is a long 205-kilometre drive that takes more than 5 hours to complete — a journey that tests both time and endurance.

With the completion of the Dhubri–Phulbari Bridge, this arduous journey will be shortened to just 20 minutes. The bridge will provide year-round, safe, and reliable passage across the Brahmaputra, significantly improving accessibility and economic activity in the region.

Catalyst for Growth and Connectivity

The Dhubri–Phulbari Bridge will transform the transport network of the Northeast by offering the shortest route between Meghalaya and Assam, and onward to major hubs like Kolkata. It will also provide Meghalaya with another vital domestic link besides the existing Guwahati–Shillong corridor. The bridge will integrate with NH-27 (the East–West Corridor) and NH-17 (Sevoke, West Bengal to Guwahati, Assam), strengthening the overall highway network and ensuring smoother movement of goods and people across the region.

Beyond regional connectivity, the bridge will play an important role in promoting trade and economic development, by connecting local producers to urban markets and supply chains. It will reduce the transportation time of agricultural and perishable goods, increase export potential, and bring new livelihood opportunities to the thousands of people of Meghalaya. The project’s economic feasibility has been designed to ensure maximum return on investment, particularly by reducing the time of travel, Road User Costs (RUC) thus improving the logistical performance index.

Engineering Excellence Amidst Challenge

Constructing a bridge of this scale over the Brahmaputra comes with immense technical and environmental challenges. Heavy rainfall, highly fluctuating water levels, especially during the monsoon season and weak soil strata makes foundation design and construction particularly complex. Moreover, the project site lies in Seismic Zone V, requiring robust engineering solutions to ensure stability and safety. NHIDCL with its pool of engineers and consultants has been able to design a robust and a safe bridge overcoming all challenges.

A Step Toward a Stronger Northeast

Once operational, the Dhubri–Phulbari Bridge will not just stand as a symbol of engineering brilliance but as a testament to the government’s commitment to building a stronger, better-connected and prosperous Northeast. The bridge represents progress, resilience, and the promise of transformation—turning hours into minutes, and distance into connections. 

The bridge will not only connect two states but also countless communities, bringing people closer and opportunities within reach.