Dibrugarh, December 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated India’s longest Bogibeel Bridge in Assam. While speaking at the event, PM Modi paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said, “About 16 years ago, Atal Ji came here. He had a vision for the development of the Bogibeel Bridge. This Bridge is also a tribute to his vision. When Vajpayee ji's Government lost power in 2004, several key infrastructure projects of his era were not completed.”

PM Modi blamed the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for delaying infrastructural projects in the country. Taking a Jibe at the UPA government, he said, “Things have changed after May 2014 when the topmost priority is being accorded to key projects. Delayed infra projects were adversely impacting India's development trajectory. When we assumed office, we added speed to these projects & worked towards their quick completion.”

Here's All You Need to Know about Bogibeel Bridge:

The Prime Minister also lauded his government for bringing AgustaWestland Chopper scam middleman Christian Michel to India. PM Modi said, “Four years ago nobody would have imagined that a man who was involved in a Helicopter scam would be brought to India. Our govt managed to do it.”

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated India’s longest and Asia’s second longest railroad bridge – Bogibeel Bridge – in Dibrugarh of Assam. The bridge was inaugurated on the 94th birth anniversary of former premier Atal Bihari Vajpayee. PM Modi also walked on the bridge and waved hands at the express train which stood beside the bridge. He also inspected the bridge.

The 4.94-kilometre long bridge has been constructed with an estimated cost of Rs 5,900 crore. Though former PM HD Deve Gowda laid the foundation stone of the double-decker bridge on January 22, 1997, the work commenced on April 21, 2002, under the previous NDA government. The bridge is the first one in the country which has adhered to the European welding standards and has a serviceable period of 120 years. The bridge consists of 39 girders of 125 metre and two girders of the 33-metre span.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 25, 2018 04:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).