Dibrugarh flyover gets nameplate 6 months after inauguration

Dibrugarh: The newly constructed flyover at Thana Chariali in Dibrugarh finally received its official signage on Thursday, identifying it as the “Bagmibor Nilamoni Phukan Uroniya Setu.”

The installation came more than six months after CM Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the structure on April 27, bringing closure to what had become a matter of public concern.The 458-metre flyover, built at a cost of Rs 69.69 crore on Mancotta Road, replaces the original structure that had served the city since 1965. The delay in installing the nameplate had raised eyebrows among residents and civic groups, despite the flyover being officially dedicated to the legendary Assamese literary figure during its inauguration ceremony.“We were beginning to wonder if the authorities had forgotten about the nameplate altogether. It’s unfortunate that it took six months, but better late than never. The delay was inexplicable, especially when the CM himself had announced the name during the inauguration,” said Daya Priti Gogoi, a representative of Dibrugarh Sahitya Sabha.The flyover honours Nilamoni Phukan, affectionately known as “Bagmibor” or “the eloquent one,” who made invaluable contributions to Assamese literature and culture.

Born in 1880, Phukan was a pioneering figure in modern Assamese literature, known for his powerful oratory skills and literary works that enriched the cultural fabric of Assam. His legacy continues to inspire generations, making him a fitting namesake for the modern infrastructure project.“Installing this signage is not just about putting up a nameplate, it’s about honouring a legend who shaped Assamese intellectual thought.

Nilamoni Phukan’s contributions to our language and culture are immeasurable, and this flyover will ensure his name remains etched in public memory,” author and former professor of Manohari Devi Kanoi Girls’ College, Dibrugarh, Lohit Saikia said.The modernisation represents a significant upgrade from the nearly six-decade-old structure, addressing the growing traffic demands of Dibrugarh, which is being developed as Assam’s second capital.

The city is currently witnessing rapid infrastructure development, with several new flyovers under construction to ease congestion and improve connectivity across key corridors.Local business owners have welcomed the completion of the signage installation. “This flyover has already transformed traffic movement in our area. Now with the proper nameplate in place, it feels complete,” said Pranab Saikia, who owns a shop at Thana Chariali.The newly built Thana Chariali flyover has significantly reduce traffic bottlenecks on the busy Mancotta Road corridor, benefiting thousands of daily commuters. With Dibrugarh’s emergence as a major urban centre, such infrastructure projects are considered crucial for the city’s continued growth and development as it prepares to assume greater administrative responsibilities as the state’s second capital.