The much-awaited Y-shaped Railway Overbridge (ROB) at Bharalumukh in Guwahati is nearing completion, with officials confirming that nearly 80 per cent of the construction work has been completed.
The ₹99-crore infrastructure project, designed to ease chronic traffic congestion at one of Guwahati’s busiest crossings, is expected to be completed within the next two to two-and-a-half months.
The Bharalumukh Y-shaped Railway Overbridge in Guwahati is around 80% complete and is expected to open within the next two to two-and-a-half months. Built at a cost of ₹99 crore, the ROB will permanently replace Railway Gate No. 9 and is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity to North Guwahati.
Construction Status on the Ground
An on-site engineer from the Public Works Department said construction is progressing steadily and is nearing its final stages.
“Almost 80 per cent of the work is complete, and in around two months the bridge will be ready. However, the date of inauguration has not been decided yet,” the engineer told us.
The ROB has already resulted in the permanent closure of Railway Gate No. 9 at Bharalumukh, a long-standing choke point that caused frequent traffic delays due to train movement.
Role of Railways in Decongestion
Officials from the Northeast Frontier Railway said the Bharalumukh ROB is part of a broader strategy to reduce road-rail conflict points across Guwahati.
An NFR officer said Indian Railways is proactively proposing railway overbridges at feasible locations across the city to tackle traffic bottlenecks.
“Once operational, the Bharalumukh Railway Overbridge would help ease congestion in the area. Moreover, it would also connect Guwahati city more efficiently with North Guwahati,” the officer said.
Why the ROB Matters for Guwahati
Bharalumukh serves as a critical link between central Guwahati and North Guwahati. Frequent closures of the railway gate had long caused traffic snarls, affecting commuters, commercial vehicles, and emergency services.
City planners believe the Y-shaped design will distribute traffic more evenly, improving flow toward Maligaon, Paltan Bazaar, and North Guwahati.
Residents Voice Mixed Reactions
While many residents have welcomed the long-pending infrastructure upgrade, some locals have expressed concerns about possible congestion during the transition phase once the bridge opens.
Residents say proper traffic planning, signage, and enforcement will be crucial in the initial months to ensure that the new ROB delivers the intended relief rather than shifting congestion to nearby roads.
What Happens Next
Construction work is expected to continue through the next two months, after which safety inspections and final clearances will be required before opening.
Authorities said traffic arrangements and inauguration details will be announced closer to completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Bharalumukh Y-shaped ROB expected to open?
Officials estimate the overbridge will be ready within two to two-and-a-half months, though no inauguration date has been announced yet.
How will the ROB benefit Guwahati traffic?
The bridge will eliminate delays caused by Railway Gate No. 9 and improve road connectivity between Guwahati and North Guwahati, easing congestion in Bharalumukh. The bridge will eliminate delays caused by Railway Gate No. 9 and improve road connectivity between Guwahati and North Guwahati, easing congestion in Bharalumukh.
