Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari during his November visit to Guwahati and other capitals of North Eastern States announced five projects worth ₹ 50,000 crore to make international standard surface-connectivity in Assam.
“Our aim is to change the entire scenario of road transport in the North East by 2024. We aim to make roads of international standards in this region,” Gadkari said while addressing a press conference after reviewing various national highways in the region.
He witnessed the MoU signing ceremony between the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) and PWD Assam for five ropeway projects worth ₹ 2000 crore in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Himanata Biswa Sarma and Union Minister of State V K Singh besides Central & State transport officers in Guwahati.
On the first day of his three day programme of NH projects in the region and Sikkim, Gadkari reviewed the progress of NH projects in Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Nagaland. He discussed issues related to land acquisition, progress of ongoing projects, proposed projects, use of new technologies, disputes & arbitration, and possible financial interventions.
He reviewed the delayed projects in the four States to understand the reasons for delay and issued specific instructions to get them on track.
He stressed the importance of coordination and partnership between Central and State agencies to develop top-class transport infrastructure in North Eastern States.
The five projects in Assam which got Centre’s approval are i) Guwahati Ring Road and Narengi – Kuruwa Bridge, ii) 38 km elevated Kaziranga corridor , iii) Expansion of Khanapara – Jorabat Road into Six Lane, iv) Ropeway from Khanapara to LGBI Airport and v) Jorhat-Majuli Bridge to link National Highway. Gadkari also announced construction of 10 new flyovers and road overbridges under the package.
Gadkari said under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Ministry is working towards bridging the connectivity gap in North East India and giving momentum to transport infrastructure in the region.
The Union Minister said that the Government will complete the ongoing ₹2 lakh crore worth of road projects by 2024 in the NE region.
