Assam: National Highways in Shambles Despite Allocation of Rs 5,239 Crore in 2024-25

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has allocated Rs 5,239 crore in 2024-25 for the development and maintenance of national highways in Assam. If this is the case, what is the reason behind national highways remaining in shambles in various stretches in Assam?

According to sources, the dearth of better national highways is not for lack of funds but of sincerity and efficiency on the part of those at the helm of affairs in monitoring and supervising national highway works in Assam. The state government has nothing to do with the development and maintenance of national highways crisscrossing the state, as the matter is out of its purview.

Assam has a total length of 3,927 km of national highways. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Highway Infrastructure and Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) are the nodal agencies entrusted with the development and maintenance of national highways.

According to data from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, it has allocated Rs 5,239 crore in 2024-25 for the development and maintenance of national highways in Assam and approved projects costing Rs 14,393 crore in 2024-25. The projects have not commenced as yet. On the other hand, road and bridge projects costing Rs 39,239 crore are under construction in the state.

The union ministry has taken measures like streamlining land acquisition, revamping dispute resolution mechanisms, awarding projects after adequate preparations in terms of land acquisition and clearance, close coordination with all stakeholders, including the state governments, and regular reviews at various levels to address challenges and prevent delays in executing national highway projects in Assam and other states in the Northeast.

 Also Read: Centre Plans To Invest Rs. 3 Lakh Crore To Make NH In Assam Similar To US: Nitin Gadkari

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