Connectivity induced spatio-economic transformation: a case of Bogibeel Bridge, Assam

Abstract

Geographical isolation, poor regional connectivity coupled with perennial flooding of the mighty Brahmaputra has added to woes of the North East India. The study pertains to the state of Assam which when examined, one would find that there is a wide intra state disparity. The focus is on India’s longest road cum rail bridgeBogibeel Bridge between the north-eastern bank district of Dhemaji and southeastern bank district of Dibrugarh which is set to challenge this notion. Looking into the development history of the north bank of Upper Assam, the district of Dhemaji had been the most backward region of Assam until the other day when the bridge was operationalised (December 2018). The district of Dibrugarh is one of the richest districts of Assam. This study is an attempt to capture the pre and post bridge development scenario in the sub-districts of Dhemaji and Dibrugarh. Longitudinal research methodology has been used to study the various factors bridging transformation in the area of interest. This research looks into the prospect of bridging the gap between the two districts both literally and figuratively. The focus of the study is restrictive and will make an attempt to establish the changes from three angles: spatial, occupational and transportation. The transformation in spatial and livelihood factors have been studied from the year the bridge was commissioned, while the changes in transportation have been studied post operation. This study looks into demographic, livelihood, infrastructural, socio-behavioural, spatial as well as benefits in transportation with respect to regional connectivity and traffic plying on the bridge in the post operational scenario. This research attempts to identify the factors which lead to transformation due to connectivity-at both micro and macro level.