The journey from Palashbari via Mirza to Chandubi is an experience thanks not only to the greens abutting a major stretch of the journey but also the highway that is today a talk of the town, literally. Developed and completed well before its deadline of two years, the road today presents an example of quality construction matching the best in the country. Built at an eye-popping Rs 222 crore, this 27.97 km stretch was conceived and executed under the Asom Mala project of the Public Works Roads Department.
Asom Mala is a long-term perspective of the Department for fuelling economic growth as well as improving road infrastructure towards Sustainable Development Goals and achieving the Assam Vision 2030.
Anil Kalita (58) a native of Palasbari is among those who cannot stop gushing about the road and the Department. “We have been witnessing positive changes after the construction of this road. You see the mighty Brahmaputra flowing just a few metres away on the northern side of this road. Hudumpur is now a popular selfie point and fast becoming a picnic spot. Land prices have multiplied while investment in the area has gone up. We expect more development in these greater areas,” he told Asom Barta.
Kabindra Chandra Kalita manages a pharmacy at Mirza Chock. He is of the view that the development he has seen of the area is unprecedented. “Mirza Chowk is fast becoming an urban area. Never in the last 20-years have I seen commercial activities in the area as I see now after the construction of this road,” he told this reporter.
The idea that better roads & infrastructure will lead to economic development is what is the driving force for the Department.
“Under Asom Mala scheme, we have taken up numbers of roads constructions in key areas of the State with a vision not only to improve roads communication system but for overall economic development”.
Diganta Goswami, Executive Engineer of State PWD-cum-Nodal officer of Asom Mala project
The Asom Mala programme was always meant to achieve these objectives when conceived. This is not only an ambitious and huge long-term road infrastructure development programme of the State Government but it is also meant to include several Externally Aided Projects (EAP) under its ambit. Some of the projects under it are worth mentioning like the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-aided Assam Road Network Improvement Project (ARNIP), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)-aided Assam Secondary Road Network Improvement Project (ASRIP), etc. All these are leading to not only faster road communication, a better living standard but also a new-found confidence in the ability of the Government to deliver.
Haren Chandra Nath, the Head Master of Loharghat Government MV School is a happy man these days.
“We have a very good road now. This road leading to Sandubi, a popular tourist destination, will lead to development. The chaos of the recent past is history now. We see investors searching for land here. Many academic institutions are considering their new set-up in our area. I am sure this will be the case in other parts of the State as well,” Nath told this newsletter.
Villages such as Deopani where the Rabhas are in majority are a hub of betel nut, ginger, and brooms. Locals are reporting better sales and more disposable income. The road has helped the likes of Kamal Rava (40) send many truck loads of sand from the greater Deopani and Loharghat area, something that was inconceivable a few months earlier. thanks to the road, while also almost doubling the income of dhaba owner Robin.
Kartik Biswas, Executive Engineer of State PWD, South Kamrup Territorial Road (Palasbari– Mirza) Division said that the entire stretch was built with utmost care, and he is happy that the locals have benefited from the vision of Asom Mala.
