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Assam's Infrastructure Boom: Bridges, Tunnels & Corridors Reshape the State

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has detailed an array of mega infrastructure projects marking the state's progress. Key highlights include four new bridges over the Brahmaputra, with the Guwahati-North Guwahati link opening soon, and a foundation stone ceremony for a wildlife-friendly elevated corridor at Kaziranga. The central government has approved a landmark Rs 22,000-crore underwater road-rail tunnel and plans for an Aerocity near Guwahati airport. Additionally, a state-of-the-art medical college and a new hydroelectric project underscore advancements in healthcare and power infrastructure.

Key Points: Assam's 5-Year Infrastructure Transformation Under CM Sarma

  • Four new Brahmaputra bridges
  • Kaziranga elevated corridor for wildlife
  • Rs 22,000-cr underwater tunnel
  • New Guwahati medical college hospital
3 min read

Assam witnessed unprecedented development in last 5 years, says CM Sarma

Assam CM announces new Brahmaputra bridges, a Kaziranga elevated corridor, a mega underwater tunnel, and a modern hospital, marking unprecedented development.

Assam witnessed unprecedented development in last 5 years, says CM Sarma
"These initiatives reflect the scale and seriousness of the work carried out over the past five years. - CM Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, Jan 1

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the state has witnessed unprecedented progress in infrastructure development over the last five years and announced a host of upcoming projects aimed at strengthening connectivity, healthcare facilities and urban infrastructure.

Briefing the media, CM Sarma said that four new bridges over the Brahmaputra River are presently under various stages of construction. He added that the much-awaited bridge connecting Guwahati with North Guwahati is expected to be opened to the public in February, significantly easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity across the river.

Highlighting major central projects, the Chief Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to lay the foundation stone of the Kaziranga elevated corridor on January 17 or 18. The project, stretching around 32 km and covering nearly 34 km, will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 6,957 crore and is expected to play a crucial role in easing traffic flow while ensuring the protection of wildlife in and around the Kaziranga National Park.

CM Sarma also announced that the Centre has accorded approval to the ambitious Rs 22,000-crore twin-tube underwater tunnel project connecting Gohpur and Numaligarh.

The tunnel will function as a combined road-and-rail corridor and is expected to emerge as a landmark engineering project in the Northeast, substantially reducing travel time across the Brahmaputra.

In another major boost to rail connectivity, the Chief Minister said the Prime Minister is likely to lay the foundation stone of the proposed Gelephu railway line project in February, further strengthening regional and cross-border connectivity.

Focusing on urban development, CM Sarma said plans are underway for the construction of an elevated corridor near the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati.

He also announced the development of an Aerocity project spread over 60 acres in the airport vicinity to promote commercial and aviation-linked activities.

On the healthcare front, the Chief Minister said a memorandum of understanding has been signed with the Asian Development Bank for the construction of a new state-of-the-art hospital at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital.

The Rs 2,200-crore project will involve the demolition of the existing structure and the creation of a modern medical facility.

Additionally, the CM said the state government is set to inaugurate the 120 MW Kopili hydroelectric project soon, marking a significant step in strengthening Assam's power infrastructure. "These initiatives reflect the scale and seriousness of the work carried out over the past five years and our commitment to transforming Assam's infrastructure landscape," the Chief Minister said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The Kaziranga elevated corridor is a brilliant idea. Protecting wildlife while easing traffic is the need of the hour. Hope the execution matches the vision. The infrastructure push in the Northeast is long overdue and very welcome.
A
Aman W
Rs 22,000 crore for an underwater tunnel? Sounds impressive, but I hope the money is well spent. We need these projects, but we also need accountability. Let's see the benefits reach the common man and not just remain on paper.
S
Sarah B
The new hospital at GMCH is the most critical announcement. Assam's healthcare needs massive upgrading. A state-of-the-art facility can attract better doctors and improve outcomes for millions. This is real development.
K
Karthik V
Good to see focus on power with the Kopili project. Reliable electricity is the backbone of any development. Hope this reduces load shedding in the smaller towns and villages, not just Guwahati. Infrastructure should be inclusive.
M
Meera T
Aerocity project and elevated corridors are fine, but what about fixing the basic roads in our localities? The potholes after every monsoon are a nightmare. Development should be balanced - both mega projects and maintenance of existing assets.

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