Not a week has passed since Guwahati's Brahmaputra Riverfront was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and it has already become one of the most frequented hotspots in the city.
An official at the counter revealed to a Business North East reporter that "over a lakh" people have already visited the tourist attraction which provides a panoramic view of the Brahmaputra, the widest river in Asia. To enter the 1.3km riverfront project, one has to pay a nominal fee of Rs100. Entry for children below the age of 10 and disabled persons, however, is free.
The first phase was reportedly completed at a cost of Rs34cr, while the second phase is estimated to cost around Rs35cr. Mahabahu Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre, converted from the old District Commissioner (DC) bungalow in the vicinity, has been incorporated into the campus for a more wholesome experience.
"The total number of visitors on January 24 was 52,000", the official informed this reporter. "Visitors also went to Manabahu Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre which continues to be a major draw for families", the person further pointed out. The official informed Business North East that people visit to "enjoy both" and that the previous Sunday "the footfall was more than 1 lakh."
The riverfront is located on the south bank of the mighty Brahmaputra River and part of the central area of Guwahati. A 6 km long riverfront stretches between the Governor's House in the Kharghuli Hills area to the iconic Kamakhaya Temple located atop the Nilachal Hills. Among its prominent features are green open spaces, walking and jogging tracks, river viewpoints, and river bank soil stabilization.