ASSAM : Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announces projects worth ₹55,000 cr

Session on “Assam’s Road, Railway, and Riverine Infrastructure”

State must embark on a path that is realistic, futuristic and pragmatic: CM

₹4,800 Cr for waterways development in Assam: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma attended an engaging session on “Assam’s Road, Railway, and Riverine Infrastructure” at the Advantage Assam 2.0 in the presence of Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal at Guwahati today. The session aimed at highlighting Assam’s emerging role as a key trade and connectivity hub, brought together government leaders, industry experts, and investors. The session focussed on transformative projects designed to integrate Assam more seamlessly into national and international trade networks.

Speaking in the session, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state has undergone a remarkable transformation in infrastructure and connectivity. He said that the state must embark on a new path that is realistic, futuristic and pragmatic. With immense capabilities and resources, Assam has potential to transform aspirations of the people into achievements, he said. The Chief Minister said that every year, the state is making around 25,000 Cr capital investments and this year it will surpass that. He said the state government is increasing capital investments every year by 10%.

During today’s session, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, through a special video message, announced several significant infrastructure projects worth approximately ₹55,000 crore. These projects include ₹5,800 crore Guwahati Ring Road Project, ₹25,000 crore four-lane road from Guwahati to Panchgram via Barapani, which will significantly reduce travel time between Guwahati and Panchgram to approximately five hours apart from being the region’s first express highway, ₹6,000 crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, a 12 km underwater tunnel between Gohpur and Numaligarh, valued at ₹15,000 crore, for which the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been completed and clearance has been granted by the Ministry of Defence, a new road worth ₹3,225 crore to improve connectivity between Jagiroad and Bhutan via Bhairabkunda and Kamakhya Ropeway Project to enhance accessibility to the revered pilgrimage site.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasizing the state’s geographical advantage, spoke on the critical role of waterway transport in boosting trade and strengthening ties with ASEAN nations. He committed ₹4,800 cr from his ministry in the next 5 years and a Maritime Centre of Excellence in Assam.

High Commissioner of Singapore Simon Wong, Krishnendu Paul, Minister for PWD Roads etc, Vijay Kumar, Chairman of Inland Waterway Authority of India, Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, General Manager of North East Frontier Railway, Adil Zaidi, Partner EY, Giridhar Rajagopalon, Deputy Managing Director of Afcorns Infrastructure, R K Bansal,  Executive Vice President and SBG head- Roads, Bridges, Foundations, and L&T Construction, Subrat Tripathy, President of Adani Ports & SEZ, Sonali Ghosal, Managing Director Civil Engineer’s Enterprises Pvt Ltd. were present in the session.