In an attempt at “bridging” the gap with close neighbour and trading partner Bangladesh, India is planning to construct a two-lane bridge over River Umngot at Dawki — the last Indian post in Meghalaya which falls on the border.

At present, the area only has a single-lane 136-metre long suspension bridge which has outlived its utility and faces major load restrictions. The Union Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways has already invited proposals for the new project.

“We have called for consultancy services so that a Detailed Preparation Report (DPR) can be completed by year-end. At present, there is no concrete bridge across the river. So, traffic from Shillong to Dawki, headed towards Bangladesh, has to take a long detour via Jowai, making it a 130-km long trip. With a permanent bridge across the river, the distance between Shillong and Dawki will be reduced to just 84 kms. The link is crucial for transportation of coal and other goods, and figures high on our priority list,” said a senior official from the ministry.

While the union ministry will supervise and mobilise central government funds, the project will be executed by the Meghalaya PWD.

Dawki forms a crucial part of the trade corridor between Bangladesh and the Northeastern states. The area where the new bridge is being planned falls along the 163-km road from Jorabat near Assam-Meghalaya border to Tamabil in Bangladesh via Shillong on NH 40, connecting the two Northeastern states to the international border.

“Several transport corridors are being planned between India and Bangladesh through this sector. Dawki bridge in India and Jamuna bridge in Bangladesh are two crucial links for better connectivity. We are trying to get the Bangladesh government to upgrade the Jamuna bridge as well,” said an official involved with the formulation of the SAARC multi-modal transport study in which Indo-Bangladesh connectivity figures prominently.