the idea of constructing a bridge over the brahmaputra was first mooted in 1910 and the thought gathered momentum during the second world war. initially there were doubts over the stability of the railway line between bongaigaon and amingaon following devastating floods in 1942-43. however, when the line had been satisfactorily stabilized, the railway minister announced the decision to construct the bridge in the budget session of the parliament in 1958.