Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Himanta Biswa Sarma To Meet Nitin Gadkari

GUWAHATI: On the sorry state of national highways (NHs) in Assam, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and PWD Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma are set to meet Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari soon. The government hopes that Gadkari will make work on NH in the State pick up pace.

Talking to The Sentinel on the poor state of roads in the State, PWD Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said: “The condition of roads being highlighted by the media these days is mostly of national highways. One will seldom come across such conditions in the State highways and other roads. We’re worried of the national highways in the State. The upkeep of national highways has been entrusted with the NHAI (National Highway Authority of India) and the NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited). We’ve little control over them. However, to get the purpose served, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and myself are going to meet Union Minister Nitin Gadkari soon, and let him know the plight of national highways in Assam.”

On the condition of State highways and other roads, Himanta Biswa Sarma said: “The State roads are in good condition. There may be a few poor stretches in some roads because of rains. However, we’ve started their renovation. In February this year, we’ve sanctioned Rs 4,300 crore for the construction of roads and bridges. Some of them have been started after tendering.”

Himanta Biswa Sarma further said: “When general elections are ahead big companies opt to take the wait-and-watch policy for poll results. Maybe, the work of NHs in Assam has been stuck in such a slowdown for the past four months. I hope, the Union Minister will solve the problem. Within a year, I hope work of national highways in the State will get the desired pace.”

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