The Central Government has announced an ambitious investment of Rs 3 lakh crore for the development of national highways in Assam, aiming to bring them up to the 'standards' of the United States.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, made the announcement in the Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour, reiterating that there was no shortage of funds for infrastructure projects in Assam.
He assured that the state’s road network would undergo a complete transformation, enhancing connectivity and economic prospects.
Major road projects in Assam
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Guwahati Ring Road: Estimated to cost Rs 5,800 crore, the project is scheduled for completion by December 2027.
- Brahmaputra River Tunnel in Dibrugarh: Awaiting approval, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 12,000 crore.
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Elevated Highway over Kaziranga National Park: To commence after Cabinet approval, with sufficient financial backing.
Gadkari highlighted that these projects would boost employment and economic development in the Northeast, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to prioritising infrastructure in the region.
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During the session, the minister responded to concerns raised by Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge regarding Karnataka’s road network.
He assured that since 2014, significant improvements had been made, while also acknowledging challenges related to land acquisition and environmental clearances in the state.
Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar sought better highway connectivity for Tithana village in Haryana, to which Gadkari gave a positive response.
With this massive investment, Assam is poised for an infrastructure overhaul, strengthening its position as a vital economic centre in the Northeast.
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