New Delhi, Dec 26: Aiming at improving the connectivity at the borders and easing the transportation of commercial goods across Assam, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 27 highway projects in the state.
These projects carry a road length of nearly 439 kilometers, involving construction value of Rs 2,366 cr. These projects are expected to enhance employment opportunities, save time and fuel, improve tourism and infrastructure development, and will result in providing connectivity for agricultural produce up to larger markets.
Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari assured the State government of his full support in developing the National Highway network in Assam as the state has a special place in his heart.
The Minister said Rs 2,104 crore were approved for 174 projects under CRIF for the State, out of which Rs 1,177 crore have been released till now.
Gadkari also announced enhancement in the amount for Assam from Rs 1,213 cr to Rs 2,578 cr for current financial year. This was welcomed by the crowd with a thunderous applause.
The Minister informed that road and infrastructure works worth Rs 85,000 cr will be taken up in the State. Works for a sum of Rs 14,000 cr will be awarded in 2021, while DPR is being made for another Rs 26,000 crore worth projects.
He informed that 217 km long roads were completed in the State during 2020 at a cost of Rs 1,102 cr while 357 km road works worth Rs 2,511 cr will be complete in the coming year.
Nineteen projects of 295 km length worth Rs 13,620 cr were awarded this year. DPRs are under preparation for 20 projects of 845 kms worth Rs 25,700 cr, he said.
Gadkari announced construction of a multi modal logistic park (MMLP) in Silchar. This will be the second MMLP in Assam after the one being made in Jogighopa. State government will provide 200 bigha land in Harinachra village along the Barak River. This will benefit the people by way of development of Road and waterways connectivity.
The Minister also announced that construction of Dhubri-Phulbari bridge will begin in the coming month. He said, a sum of Rs 4,497 cr will be spent on this 19 km bridge. This will reduce the distance between these two places in Assam and Meghalaya by 203 kms. He informed that he is requesting the Prime Minister to lay its foundation stone in the next 15 days.
He further informed that the DPR is ready and the tender has been floated for the 6.75 km Majuli bridge, which is part of the 131 km long Majuli project worth Rs 900 crore.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal assured to take forward all the suggestions given by the Union Minister. He said, his government is committed to development of the State, and uplifting of the lifestyle of its people. He said he is working in cooperation with the Centre to achieve his government’s targets.
Gadkari also unveiled a life-size bronze statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.