News Reporter
Guwahati, 25 November, 2023: In a significant development aimed at fortifying connectivity and infrastructure in Assam, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has unveiled a substantial allocation of Rs 2,185.43 Crore for two pivotal road projects in the state.
A substantial portion of this budget, amounting to Rs 1,338.61 Crore, has been earmarked for the ambitious widening of NH-17, transforming it into a 4-lane road equipped with paved shoulders. This extensive project, spanning 26.82 kilometers from Near Mowatari before Chapar Bypass to the Tulungia section of the Bilasipara-Guwahati corridor under Package 2, aims to significantly enhance connectivity between Bilasipara and Tulungia. The overarching goal is to facilitate improved access not only to Western and Lower Assam but also to neighboring states such as Meghalaya and West Bengal.
In a parallel groundbreaking move, an approval of Rs 846.82 Crore has been granted for the Widening & Upgradation of the Tamenglong-Mahur section of NH-137. Covering a distance of 19.68 kilometers under Package 7, this project will be executed in the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode. The initiative is poised to amplify connectivity to Imphal from the East-West corridor in Assam via NH-27. It offers an alternative route to the Imphal-Kohima section of NH-02 and the Silchar-Jiribam-Imphal section of NH-37.
Acknowledging these transformative initiatives, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his gratitude on microblogging platforms. He recognized the concerted efforts of Hon’ble Prime Minister and Hon'ble Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, stating, "Your sustained focus on our region has blossomed into record infra projects worth ₹3 lakh crore for the entire North East since 2014. With these key projects sanctioned, it will take us closer to our goal of providing Assam with best-in-class roads."
This substantial investment reaffirms the commitment of the central government towards bolstering infrastructure and connectivity in the Northeast region, marking a crucial step towards fostering economic growth and accessibility in Assam.