The Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu connecting Guwahati and North Guwahati will continue as a pedestrian-only zone till March 7, authorities confirmed. The decision was taken jointly by Guwahati City Police, Kamrup (Metro) District Administration, Kamrup District Administration and Kamrup Police due to high public footfall.
From March 8, the bridge will be opened to two-wheelers, three-wheelers, LMVs, and SUVs. However, buses and trucks will not be allowed to ply on the bridge until further notice.
Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu in Guwahati will remain a pedestrian-only zone till March 7 due to high footfall. From March 8, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and light motor vehicles will be allowed, while buses and trucks will remain restricted until further communication from authorities.
Why the Bridge Remains Closed to Vehicles
Authorities stated that the extension of the pedestrian zone was necessary due to increasing footfall and traffic pressure on both sides of the bridge.
Since its inauguration on February 14 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the newly built bridge has attracted large numbers of visitors eager to walk across and view the Brahmaputra.
The decision aims to manage crowd movement and ensure public safety during the initial days of operation.
Vehicle Access from March 8
Starting March 8:
- Two-wheelers
- Three-wheelers
- LMVs (Light Motor Vehicles)
- SUVs
will be permitted to use the bridge.
However:
- Buses
- Trucks
will remain restricted until further communication from the authorities.
This phased opening is expected to help regulate traffic flow between Guwahati and North Guwahati.
Key Features of Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu
Built at an approximate cost of ₹3,030 crore, the bridge is a major infrastructure addition to Assam.
Technical Highlights:
- 6-lane extradosed Prestressed Concrete (PSC) bridge
- First extradosed bridge in Northeast India
- Expected to reduce travel time between Guwahati and North Guwahati to 7 minutes
- Designed with base isolation technology using friction pendulum bearings due to high seismic activity
- Equipped with high-performance stay cables
- Includes a Bridge Health Monitoring System (BHMS) for real-time structural monitoring
The advanced monitoring system is designed to enable early detection of structural issues and improve long-term safety.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
The bridge is expected to significantly ease connectivity between Guwahati and North Guwahati once fully operational.
For daily commuters, students and businesses, the reduction in travel time to approximately seven minutes will mark a major shift in mobility.
The phased vehicle access approach indicates that authorities are prioritising safety and traffic management during the initial operational phase.
What Happens Next?
Pedestrian access will continue till March 7. From March 8, light vehicles will begin plying on the bridge, while heavy vehicles will remain restricted until further notice.
Authorities are expected to issue further updates regarding full operational status in the coming weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu open for vehicles?
The bridge will open for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and LMVs from March 8. Buses and trucks will remain restricted until further notice.
Why is the bridge currently a pedestrian zone?
Authorities extended the pedestrian-only status till March 7 due to high footfall and safety considerations following its inauguration.
