In yet another attempt towards the modernisation of road transport and highway network in Assam, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stones and dedicated to the nation 26 National Highway projects at a programme held at the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati during his last visit to the State. The cost of the projects is estimated to be over ₹17,500 Cr..
He laid the foundation stones of 22 major road projects and dedicated to the nation four roads and bridge projects built in the State.
The Ministry is hopeful that NH-137 will enhance connectivity in the Dima Hasao region and provide an alternate route to western Manipur.
Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all major road infrastructure projects completed over the years and all ongoing roads infrastructure projects in the States of the North Eastern region underscore the Central Government’s commitment to deliver world-class highway infrastructure and accelerate its economic growth.
He said that Assam Government’s proposal for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, Guwahati Ring Road, Kamakhya Ropeway project would become a reality soon (Pl see report on Page 10 &11). He said that he would be visiting the State in January next year to lay foundation stones of several infrastructure projects worth ₹25,000 cr.
In the meeting, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma appealed to the Union Minister to take measures to make the proposed ring-road in Guwahati a reality, which Gadkari, in his speech, said: “In my next visit to Assam in January, I will lay the foundation stone of the Guwahati Ring Road project”.
Dr Sarma said in his speech that the number of road projects launched by the Minister in a single day was an unprecedented development.
The Chief Minister appealed to Gadkari to allocate ₹500 cr from the Central fund for projects under the Asom Mala scheme. Gadkari responded by increasing the amount by ₹100 Cr. to ₹600 cr much to the appreciation of all present. Going a step further, Gadkari said, “I also sanctioned ₹200 cr more for the construction of bridges under Setu Bandhan scheme for Assam.”
Gadkari also emphasised on improved connectivity and its positive outcome during his speech.
