HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Nov 24: Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari has announced a substantial allocation of Rs 2,185.43 crore for two crucial road projects in Assam, aiming to enhance connectivity and infrastructure in the state.
A significant amount of Rs 1,338.61 crore has been sanctioned for the widening of NH-17, converting it into a 4-lane road with paved shoulders. This ambitious 26.82-kilometer project, falling under Package 2, spans from Near Mowatari before Chapar Bypass to the Tulungia section of the Bilasipara-Guwahati corridor. The development aims to improve connectivity between Bilasipara and Tulungia, facilitating better access to Western and Lower Assam, as well as neighbouring states such as Meghalaya and West Bengal.
In another 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 EPC mode. The initiative is set to enhance connectivity to Imphal from the East-West corridor in Assam via NH-27, offering an alternative route to the Imphal-Kohima section of NH-02 and the Silchar-Jiribam-Imphal section of NH-37.
Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed gratitude on microblogging, acknowledging the efforts of Prime Minister and minister of road transport & highways, government of India. He stated, “Your sustained focus on our region has blossomed into record infra projects worth Rs 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.”