The newly inaugurated Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu connecting Guwahati and North Guwahati will continue as a pedestrian zone until March 7. The decision was taken jointly by Guwahati City Police, Kamrup (Metro) District Administration, Kamrup District Administration and Kamrup Police due to a surge in visitor footfall and public demand to extend the pedestrian period.
The bridge was initially scheduled to allow motor vehicles on March 1. However, authorities have postponed vehicular operations.
Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu will remain a pedestrian-only bridge until March 7 due to heavy public footfall. From March 8, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and light motor vehicles will be allowed, while buses and trucks will remain restricted until further notice.
Why the Pedestrian Period Was Extended
Since its inauguration on February 14 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the six-lane bridge has drawn large crowds.
Residents from Guwahati and North Guwahati have been visiting the bridge in significant numbers to walk across and experience the newly opened infrastructure.
Authorities stated that the extension aims to manage safety amid increasing footfall and traffic buildup on both ends of the bridge.
Vehicle Access From March 8
From March 8, the bridge will open to:
- Two-wheelers
- Three-wheelers
- Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs)
- SUVs
However, buses and trucks will not be allowed to ply on the bridge until further notice due to ongoing crowd movement and traffic concerns.
The phased opening is intended to ensure a smooth transition to full-scale operations.
Key Features of the Bridge
The Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu spans the Brahmaputra River and connects Guwahati with North Guwahati.
Technical Highlights:
- Six-lane extradosed bridge
- Built at an estimated cost of ₹3,030 crore
- Expected to reduce travel time between the two sides to approximately seven minutes
- Designed to withstand high seismic activity
- Equipped with base isolation technology using friction pendulum bearings
- High-performance stay cables for structural durability
- Bridge Health Monitoring System (BHMS) for real-time condition monitoring
The BHMS allows early detection of structural issues, enhancing safety and long-term performance.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
The bridge is expected to significantly ease congestion and improve connectivity once fully operational.
For daily commuters, students and businesses in Guwahati and North Guwahati, the reduced travel time will offer major convenience.
The temporary pedestrian-only extension reflects the authorities’ focus on crowd management during the initial days after the inauguration.
What Happens Next?
Pedestrian access will continue until March 7. From March 8, light vehicles will begin plying on the bridge.
Further communication is awaited regarding when buses and trucks will be permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will vehicles be allowed on Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu?
Two-wheelers, three-wheelers and LMVs will be allowed from March 8. Buses and trucks remain restricted until further notice.
Why is the bridge currently pedestrian-only?
Authorities extended the pedestrian period due to heavy public footfall and traffic management concerns.