Minister Kaushik Rai highlights government projects during Republic Day speech in Silchar

A CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR: The proposed Barapani-Panchgram Expressway project, which is set to reduce travel time between Silchar-Guwahati to just five hours, would be a gamechanger for the Barak Valley, stated Minister Kaushik Rai. Speaking at the 76th Republic Day celebration at Police Parade Ground in Silchar, the Barak Valley Development Department Minister highlighted various projects the Himanta Biswa Sarma government had either launched or initiated which would bring in revolutionary changes in South Assam.

Rai highlighted the creation of the Barak Valley Development Department, a testament to the government’s commitment to inclusive growth. He announced the revolutionary Barapani-Panchgram Expressway project, which is set to reduce travel time between Guwahati and Silchar to just five hours. This ambitious initiative would bolster regional connectivity and open new horizons for trade and socio-economic integration.

The minister detailed several flagship healthcare initiatives, including a Rs 165 crore, 500-bed hospital at Silchar Medical College, now 66% complete, a 206-bed Superspeciality Hospital funded by JICA for Rs 160 crore featuring advanced neurology and cardiology departments, a Rs 23 crore Critical Care Block at Silchar Civil Hospital under PM CARES, and a 100-bed Lakhipur District Hospital funded by the World Bank.

In the education sector, the establishment of GC College University and the construction of Model Degree Colleges in Dholai and Lakhipur were lauded as game-changers for academic excellence in the region. Minister Rai also spotlighted the ongoing construction of a mini secretariat near ITI Srikona, expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

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