Guwahati, Jan 1: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 1 outlined what he described as significant progress in the state’s infrastructure over the past five years, while unveiling a slate of high-impact projects expected to reshape connectivity, healthcare and urban development in the coming period. Speaking to the media, Sarma said the government’s focus has been on large-scale, long-term assets aimed at accelerating Assam’s economic and social growth.
Among the key updates, the Chief Minister said that four new bridges across the Brahmaputra are currently under construction. He announced that the much-anticipated bridge linking Guwahati with North Guwahati is slated to be opened to the public in February, a development expected to ease traffic congestion and improve daily commuting between the two banks of the river.
Sarma also confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Kaziranga elevated corridor later this month, on January 17 or 18. The project, stretching over 32 kilometres and spanning close to 34 kilometres in total length, is estimated to cost Rs 6,957 crore and is aimed at improving traffic flow while protecting the sensitive ecology of the Kaziranga region.
Highlighting major central approvals, the Chief Minister said the Union government has cleared the ambitious Rs 22,000-crore twin-tube underwater tunnel project between Gohpur and Numaligarh. Designed as a combined road and rail corridor, the tunnel is expected to significantly strengthen connectivity across upper Assam. He added that the Prime Minister is also likely to lay the foundation stone of the proposed Gelephu railway line project in February.
In the Guwahati region, Sarma said plans are underway for an elevated corridor near the airport to streamline vehicular movement. This will be complemented by the development of an Aerocity spread over 60 acres, envisioned as a modern urban hub integrating commercial, hospitality and transport-linked infrastructure.
On the healthcare front, the Chief Minister announced that the state has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Asian Development Bank for the construction of a new state-of-the-art hospital at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital. The project, estimated at Rs 2,200 crore, will involve the complete demolition of the existing structure to make way for a modern medical facility.
Sarma also said the government is preparing to inaugurate the 120 MW Kopili hydroelectric project, which he described as a significant addition to Assam’s power generation capacity. Summing up, the Chief Minister said the range and scale of ongoing and upcoming projects underscore the government’s commitment to transforming Assam’s infrastructure landscape and sustaining development momentum built over the last five years.
