Assam CM inaugurates flyover, 18 artisans turn it to canvas
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Guwahati: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday inaugurated the new Bhagadatta II flyover at Rukminigaon, connecting the city's Downtown Hospital point to the Sixth Mile area. Named after King Bhagadatta, the ancient ruler of Pragjyotishpur, the 660-metre-long structure is expected to ease traffic on one of Guwahati's busiest corridors.
Sarma, taking to his social media 'X', wrote, "This evening I will dedicate the Bhagadatta flyover II to the people of Guwahati. The flyover has been completed in a record time of nine months, against the original time frame of 18 months. It will greatly reduce congestion while approaching the capital city."
The existing flyover at Dispur (Supermarket) has now been named Bhagadatta I, creating a symbolic pair that honours the legacy of the ancient king.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the CM said, "The Guwahati-Shillong Road was once a nightmare for drivers, who had to constantly shift gears in slow-moving traffic, leading to high fuel consumption," he said.
The flyover has already been transformed into a vibrant urban canvas – thanks to 18 artists from across Assam who turned its pillars into striking murals celebrating the state's rich cultural tapestry.
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In a remarkable display of speed and creativity, the artists painted 24 large murals across 13 pillars in just two days. Their vivid artwork reflects Assam's diverse traditions, including depictions of Jhumur dance, Gayan Bayan, Dhoop Khel, Bhaor Taal, Shoitya Nritya, Kouri Khel, Ghumrag, Bisuyo Jama, and Bihu, among others.
Speaking about the experience, Nihal Ranjan Medhi, one of the artists who contributed to the murals, said, "We wanted to showcase the essence of our culture and what makes Assam unique. Our inspiration came from daily life — from the rhythms of Bihu to the patterns of our traditional textiles, from the folklore we grew up hearing to the rich biodiversity that surrounds us."
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