Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated significant infrastructure projects in Assam, including the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu and the Northeast's first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF). These developments are part of a broader initiative worth over ₹5,450 crore aimed at enhancing connectivity and regional growth in Northeast India. The relevance of these projects aligns with India's strategic focus on improving infrastructure in sensitive regions, making it a critical topic for UPSC aspirants.
This topic is relevant for UPSC Prelims under current affairs and general studies. For Mains, it pertains to GS Paper II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice) and GS Paper III (Economic Development, Infrastructure). UPSC aspirants should study this topic to understand the implications of infrastructure development on regional connectivity and national security.
The Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu is a 2.86-km-long, six-lane extradosed bridge built to improve connectivity between Guwahati and North Guwahati. It incorporates advanced engineering features such as base isolation technology and a Bridge Health Monitoring System (BHMS). The Emergency Landing Facility in Dibrugarh serves dual purposes for military and civilian aircraft, enhancing India's strategic capabilities in the Northeast.
In Prelims, questions may focus on factual details such as the cost of the projects, the length of the bridge, or its features. Mains questions may explore the implications of such infrastructure on regional development, security strategies, and disaster management.
The establishment of the Emergency Landing Facility reflects a strategic response to the unique challenges faced by the Northeast, including geographical vulnerabilities and security concerns. The dual-use nature of this facility enhances operational flexibility and promotes rapid response during emergencies, thus playing a significant role in national security frameworks.
Going forward, the focus should be on sustainable infrastructure development that balances connectivity with environmental considerations. Policymakers must ensure that such projects not only enhance urban mobility but also contribute to ecosystem balance and resilience against climate change. Evidence-based policy-making will be crucial in maximizing the benefits of these infrastructural advancements.
Q1. What is the significance of the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu?
Answer: The bridge enhances connectivity between Guwahati and North Guwahati, reducing travel time and improving access to critical landmarks, thus promoting regional development.
Q2. How does the Emergency Landing Facility in Dibrugarh contribute to national security?
Answer: The ELF allows military and civilian aircraft to land during emergencies, enhancing operational readiness and providing an alternative to existing airports.
Q3. What are the main features of the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu?
Answer: Key features include advanced engineering technologies, a six-lane design, and real-time structural monitoring through a Bridge Health Monitoring System.
Q4. Why are highway-based emergency landing facilities important?
Answer: They provide flexibility and redundancy for military operations, crucial for strategic responses in regions with limited infrastructure.
Q5. How do these infrastructure projects affect the Northeast region?
Answer: They enhance connectivity, promote economic growth, and strengthen military preparedness, aligning with India's developmental goals for the Northeast.
Question 1: What is the length of the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu?
A) 1.86 km
B) 2.86 km
C) 3.86 km
D) 4.86 km
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which aircraft type successfully used the Emergency Landing Facility in Dibrugarh?
A) Boeing 747
B) Airbus A380
C) Sukhoi Su-30MKI
D) Cessna 172
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What is the main purpose of the Emergency Landing Facility?
A) Civilian air travel
B) Military readiness
C) Tourism development
D) Road connectivity
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Which feature is included in the design of the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu?
A) Floating bridge technology
B) Base isolation technology
C) Wooden construction
D) Cable-stayed design
Correct Answer: B
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