Assam: In 'Unprecedented' Move, Gadkari Launches NH Projects Worth Rs 17,500 Crore In Guwahati

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the launch of so many road projects in a single day was unprecedented in the history of the state.

Union Minister for Roads Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari speaks at an event in Guwahati.

Guwahati: Lending another push towards the modernisation of the road transport network in Assam, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, on Tuesday [October 31], laid the foundation stones and dedicated to the nation as many as 26 national highway projects. The cost of the projects is estimated to be over Rs 17,500 crore. The event was attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Assam’s Guwahati.

During his speech, Gadkari said, “Some cases of land acquisition and forest clearance-related matters in Assam are still pending. So, I have asked Chief Minister Sarma to clear them as it has delayed the projects by two-three years. And if you don’t want to resolve it, we shall close the projects. We will wind up with whatever work has been done as the contractors levy claims on us. I have asked Chief Minister Sarma to resolve all the problems under the jurisdiction of the state government soon.”

Gadkari, however, said that he was "very happy" that a majority of the pending issues have been resolved.

The Dibrugarh-Tinsukia-Ledo project aims to enhance the interstate connectivity between Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, boost strategic presence, and promote trade and tourism in the region. On the other hand, the Silchar-Lailapur section will connect Assam’s Barak Valley with Mizoram, thus fostering socio-economic growth. The NH-515 in Assam’s Dhemaji district will improve connectivity between North Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, Assam Chief Minister’s Office said in a press release.

Moreover, the NH-137 will enhance connectivity in the Dima Hasao region in Assam and provide an alternate route to Western Manipur. The Paikan-Guwahati airport section will facilitate the multi-modal logistics park at Jogighopa in Assam’s Bongaigaon district. In addition, the construction of new bridges will alleviate congestion and enhance trade, tourism and socio-economic progress in the entire region, the release said.

While lauding the role of Gadkari for focusing on the road infrastructure of Assam, Chief Minister Sarma said that the launch of so many road projects in a single day was unprecedented in the history of the state. Chief Minister Sarma also urged the Union Road Transport Minister to construct a 32-kilometre-long elevated corridor at Kaziranga, aimed at reducing the number of fatalities among the wild animals, the release added.

Union Minister Gadkari in his speech said that the elevated corridor would become a reality soon and a detailed project report shall be prepared for the same.

Union Minister of State for Roads Transport and Highways General Vijay Kumar Singh, a host of state cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs), MLAs and National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) officials were also present on the occasion.