Assam proposes alternative National Highway from Guwahati to Silchar via Barapani

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 4, 2024

To address frequent disruptions along the Haflong-Silchar National Highway (East-West Corridor) caused by floods, landslides, and other natural disasters, the Assam government has proposed an alternative highway project linking Guwahati to Panchgram in Silchar passing via Barapani, which will reduce travel time to just four hours.

The project, estimated to cost Rs 25,000 crore, was announced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a press briefing in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Sarma also revealed discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, urging the clearance of several pending infrastructure projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore before Modi’s scheduled visit to Assam on February 24.

Among the Rs 1 lakh crore projects, there are expansion of Bongaigaon Refinery for increasing capacity to 5 MT at a cost of Rs 10,000 crore, Rs 10,000 crore Namrup Fertilizer Plant Expansion project, Rs 8,000 crore Guwahati Ring Road Project, Rs 8,000 crore elevated corridor at Kaziranga, V12,000 crore Numaligarh-Gohpur Underwater Tunnel Project and satellite cities development at Jagiroad and Palashbari at an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crores, and a new bridge construction connecting Morigaon to Darrang.

Additionally, the state government is also exploring a railway project linking Guwahati with Bhutan, aiming to strengthen trade and connectivity with the neighbouring country.

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