Assam: Over Rs 27,000 crores spent on NHs under Bharatmala Pariyojana

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: As part of the endeavour to develop surface connectivity in the state, a total of 381 km of national highways (NHs) has been constructed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The Government of India has spent over Rs 27,000 crores for the development and maintenance of NHs in Assam in the period from financial year (FY) 2019-20 to December 31, 2024.

Bharatmala Pariyojana was approved by the Government of India in 2017, covering a length of 34,800 km across the country. As of December 31, 2024, projects covering a total length of 26,425 km have been awarded, and 19,201 km has been constructed, including expressways. The estimated timeline for completion of projects under the Bharatmala Pariyojana is FY 2027-28.

Under Bharatmala Pariyojana, 431 km of NHs have been awarded in the state of Assam. Of this, a total length of 381 km has been completed. For the development and maintenance of NHs in Assam, the Government of India has spent Rs 2,436 crores in FY 2019-20, Rs 3,753 crores in 2020-21, Rs 3,150 crores in FY 2021-22, Rs 4,557 crores in FY 2022-23, Rs 9,137 crores in FY 2023-24, and Rs 4,329 crores in FY 2024-25, until December 31, 2024. The total expenditure incurred in Assam under this scheme comes to Rs 27,362 crores.

Bharatmala Pariyojana is envisaged to improve the logistics efficiency and connectivity in the country, including connectivity to tribal, aspirational and Naxalism-affected districts, while reducing accidents on these highways and ensuring safer transportation networks. Development of high-speed corridors will also reduce the travel time substantially between key economic centres. Various industrial hubs, NMP nodes, MMLPs, ports and airports are to be provided high-speed connectivity through these corridors.

Apart from Assam, highways have also been developed in other states of the NE under Bharatmala Pariyojana. Available information says 417 km of NH in Manipur, 112 km in Meghalaya, 461 in Mizoram, 157 km in Nagaland, and 68 km of NHs have been constructed in Tripura under the scheme until the first part of 2025.

Also Read: Assam Leads Northeastern States In National Highway Projects With Significant Investment

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