Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the names of flyovers in Guwahati’s Supermarket and Rukminigaon area. The flyovers will be named Bhagadatta I and Bhagadatta II, honoring King Bhagadatta, the son of Narakasura and a prominent ruler of ancient Kamrupa. This decision reflects the state government’s commitment to celebrating Assam’s historical and cultural heritage while addressing the demands of the Kalita community.
Chief Minister Sarma announced on Saturday via his official X handle, stating that the newly constructed Rukminigaon flyover will be inaugurated on July 6, 2025, in Guwahati. He highlighted that King Bhagadatta was a significant ruler of Pragjyotishpur (present-day Guwahati) and played a crucial role in the Kurukshetra War as described in the Mahabharata. The naming aims to revive Assam’s rich history and mythological legacy.
कल गुवाहाटी में हमारी सरकार एक नए Flyover का उद्घाटन करेगी, जिसका नाम महाराज भगदत्त के नाम पर रखा जाएगा।
नरकासुर के पुत्र महाराज भगदत्त प्राचीन प्रागज्योतिषपुर (वर्तमान गुवाहाटी) के नरेश थे, जिन्होंने महाभारत के कुरुक्षेत्र युद्ध में भी भाग लिया था। pic.twitter.com/DlJgyZcYfp
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 5, 2025
Bhagadatta, the son of Narakasura, is regarded as a key figure in Kamrupa’s history. His reign marked Pragjyotishpur as a powerful kingdom, and his legacy remains a symbol of pride in Assam’s historical narrative. The Chief Minister’s decision is seen as a gesture of support for the long-standing demands of the Kalita community, whose cultural identity is closely tied to Bhagadatta.
The flyovers at Supermarket and Rukminigaon are expected to alleviate traffic congestion in these bustling commercial hubs of Guwahati. These infrastructure projects are part of the Assam government’s broader urban development initiatives. Chief Minister Sarma noted that advanced technology and eco-friendly methods were employed in the construction to ensure long-term sustainability.
The naming decision underscores Assam’s mythological heritage. In the Mahabharata, Bhagadatta is portrayed as a formidable king who fought on the side of the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra War. His courage and leadership continue to be revered. This initiative is likely to foster interest in Assam’s history and mythology among the younger generation.
