Guwahati, Feb 26: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari today hoped that the massive push in the infrastructure sector in the Northeast will slash travel time, boost economic growth, and protect the region’s rich biodiversity.
The Union minister today announced a massive ₹80,000 crore investment in road, railway, and riverine projects for the region.
Speaking via video message on Day 2 of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, Gadkari highlighted the government’s vision to make Assam and the Northeast a connectivity powerhouse.
With ₹60,000 crore worth of projects already in progress, the fresh announcements will bring the total investment to a staggering ₹1.4 lakh crore.
Key Infrastructure Announcements
Major Expressways and Highways
Guwahati-Barapani-Silchar Expressway (₹25,000 crore): A four-lane expressway set to cut travel time between Brahmaputra and Barak Valley from 10 hours to just 4-5 hours.
Numaligarh-Gohpur Underwater Tunnel (₹15,000 crore): A state-of-the-art five-km, four-lane tunnel reducing travel from six hours to just 25 minutes, with budget allocation expected before July 2025.
Kaziranga Elevated Corridor (₹6,000 crore): A 35-km wildlife-friendly corridor with soundproofing zones for rhinos, tigers, and elephants to prevent roadkill and protect biodiversity.
Morigaon-Dalgaon Road (₹3,500 crore): A 40-km project that will slash travel time by 50 minutes and ease movement between the two regions.
Rail and Urban Connectivity
Guwahati Railway Station-Kamakhya Temple Connectivity: A game-changer for pilgrims, cutting travel time from 45 minutes to just 5 minutes, reducing congestion and pollution.
Long-Term Infrastructure Vision
Gadkari reaffirmed the Northeast’s pivotal role in India’s infrastructure boom, stating,
“Currently, ₹60,000 crore worth of projects are underway in Assam. With the new ₹80,000 crore investment, the region will witness unprecedented connectivity and economic growth.”
He projected that by the end of Modi 3.0’s 15-year tenure, total infrastructure investments in the Northeast would touch ₹3 lakh crore.
Upcoming Projects and Completion Targets
Bilasipara-Guwahati Corridor (₹8,300 crore, 225 km): Expected completion by October 2027.
Silchar-Aizawl Corridor (₹3,000 crore, 49 km): A major four-lane bridge over the Barak River, set for completion by October 2026.
Silchar-Jiribam Highway (₹2,200 crore, 33 km): A four-lane highway with a 770-metre-long tunnel, targeted for completion in December 2028.
Guwahati Ring Road (₹5,800 crore, 55 km): A greenfield expressway expected to be ready by December 2027.
Assam-Arunachal Pradesh Connectivity (₹3,300 crore): A two-lane project set to be completed by December 2026, alongside a four-lane expansion in Kandulijan (₹1,800 crore).
Doboka-Lahorijan Expansion (₹4,500 crore, 118 km): A vital four-lane highway connecting Assam and Nagaland, expected by November 2026.
Dibrugarh-Ledo Bypass (₹1,700 crore): Targeted for completion by October 2026.
Srirampur-Dhubri Expansion (₹1,600 crore): A four-lane highway set to open by December 2026.
Green Energy and Sustainable Development
In a pioneering initiative, Gadkari also unveiled plans to use bamboo for sustainable aviation fuel production, turning farmers into “Indian Data” (fuel providers).
“This will not only boost the rural economy but also position the Northeast as a leader in green energy,” he added.
Also Read: ULFA-I cadre Arunjay Bora surrenders before Tinsukia police in Assam
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