Assam CM pushes for speedy highway projects, CSR growth, and health investments in Delhi meetings

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 2, 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Wednesday to push for the fast-tracking of major highway projects in the state. The meeting, held at Gadkari’s official residence, focused on expediting key National Highway (NH) projects critical to improving Assam’s connectivity and economic momentum.

CM Sarma urged the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to ensure the timely completion of ongoing infrastructure works. In response, Gadkari reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment, stating the projects would “boost regional connectivity, enhance trade routes, and accelerate economic growth in the Northeast.”

Both leaders later shared updates on X (formerly Twitter). CM Sarma wrote: “In New Delhi today, I had a fruitful meeting with Hon’ble Union Minister Shri @nitin_gadkari Ji. We reviewed the progress of Assam’s flagship infra projects and sought @MORTHIndia’s cooperation in their time-bound completion. The Minister has assured us of the Ministry’s undivided focus on this matter.”

Gadkari echoed this assurance, saying: “Reviewed the ongoing National Highway projects in Assam, with Assam Chief Minister Shri @himantabiswa Ji and senior officials in Delhi today. These projects will significantly boost regional connectivity, enhance trade routes, and accelerate economic growth across the northeastern region of the country.”

The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, CM’s Principal Secretary Dr. KK Dwivedi, and senior MoRTH officials.

Earlier that day, CM Sarma met with representatives from ICICI Foundation and ICICI Bank to strengthen and diversify corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts in Assam. Discussions also included expanding micro-credit access in collaboration with the state government.

In a separate meeting, Jayesh Saini, Chairman of Kenya-based LifeCare Ltd., met the Chief Minister to discuss the company’s upcoming healthcare ventures in Assam. LifeCare, which signed an MoU during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit in February, plans to expand its footprint in the state’s healthcare sector.