The Brahmaputra Beach Festival is organised every year by Assam state government to mark the occasion of Bihu festival. In its endeavour to bring the festival on national and international tourist map, the Assam government requested the Army to provide assistance to make it a success. The event is organised on an island called Andheridhuli, which is separated from the banks by 330 metre-wide water channel. The Army Engineers of Red Horns Division constructed a bridge consisting of bamboos and civil Inland Water Tranpsort (IWT) barges. The construction of bridge was a challenging task due to time and other constraints. However, it was completed in due time by joint efforts of Army and civil administration. The 66 Engineer Regiment constructed a 33 metre-long bridge over a channel of Brahmaputra in Guwahati.

Apart from performing normal military duties, the 236 IWT Engineers unit also helps civil authorities in tackling any emergency situation on river Brahmaputra. When Deputy Prime Minister, Mr LK Advani visited Guwahati on January 13 last for inauguration of the festival it was planned to take the Deputy Prime Minister on an aircraft from DC’s office to the island where beach festival was being organised. But barely 48 hours before the Deputy PM’s visit, Assam Inland Water Transport Authority (IWTA) conveyed its inability to provide the craft. At this juncture, with very less time at hand and in the true traditions of the Army, 236 IWT came forward and provided the craft and all possible support to take Deputy PM to the venue of the festival.

Mr Advani was received at 236 IWT Unit Engineers jetty by Lt Col Om Singh, Commanding Officer and Sub Maj Lal Singh. From there, he was taken on to the craft. After a short cruise of 35 minutes, the craft touched down the venue of Brahmaputra Beach Festival. The Deputy PM, Mr Advani spoke very high of the role of the Army in making the festival a big success and also appreciated the Army’s continued support towards the development of the state. After attending the programme at the beach festival, the Deputy PM reached 236 IWT Unit jetty. Later, he addressed the jawans of the unit and praised them for their efforts in organising the cruise. The marine sappers again proved their mettle by executing this difficult task with precision and dedication.