Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, the Bogibeel rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra in Assam will strengthen the country's defence prowess with movement of vehicles. Mr Modi was addressing a rally at Kareng Chapori in Dhemaji district yesterday after dedicating the bridge to the nation at Bogibeel.<br />''<br />''<br />''The 4.9 kilometre long double-decker bridge is India's longest and Asia's second longest rail-cum-road bridge.<br />''<br />''<br />''The Prime Minister also flagged off the first passenger train Tinsukia-Naharlagun Intercity Express over the bridge which will cut down the train-travel time between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh by more than 10 hours. He said, the bridge would greatly enhance ease of living and connectivity in the north east region.<br />''<br />''<br />''Mr Modi said for the last four and a half years, the NDA government has pursued the objective of good governance, and the bridge is a symbol of this objective.<br />''<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The Prime Minister said while only three bridges were built over the Brahmaputra in 60-70 years, three more have been completed in the last four and a half years. Another five are in progress. He said, this pace of development will transform the North-East.</span>