Guwahati: In a significant move to accelerate infrastructure development and bolster connectivity in the Northeast, a crucial review meeting was convened bringing together Dr. Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary of Assam, and Dr. Krishan Kumar, IAS, Managing Director of NHIDCL, along with key regional stakeholders.
The meeting focused on the expedited progress of vital infrastructure projects across Cachar, Sribhumi, and Tinsukia districts, underscoring Silchar’s emerging role as a strategic gateway to the Northeast.
Dr. Kota emphasized the critical role NHIDCL is playing in enhancing connectivity and facilitating economic growth in Assam. He specifically highlighted the progress of key projects in districts like Cachar, Sribhumi, and Tinsukia, including the Panchgram Bypass, Badarpur Bypass, Silchar–Varingte, Silchar–Jiribam, and Silchar–Churaibari road segments, as well as portions of the Dibrugarh–Ledo Corridor.
While stressing the need for timely completion and effective coordination between state officials and NHIDCL, Dr. Kota’s consistent engagement and positive remarks underscore his recognition of the central agency’s commitment and execution capabilities. His focus on addressing bottlenecks, expediting compensation disbursement, and resolving land-related issues reflects a collaborative approach to ensure the smooth and swift implementation of these vital infrastructure initiatives.
The comprehensive review, attended virtually by the Principal Secretary, KAAC, and District Commissioners of Cachar, Sribhumi, and Tinsukia, as well as representatives from the Departments of Revenue & Disaster Management and Forest, meticulously assessed the physical and financial progress of each project.
Project-Wise Progress Under Scrutiny:
- Cachar District: Projects under review included the Panchgram Bypass (11.80 km), Badarpur Bypass (11.10 km), Silchar–Varingte (Package I: 20 km; Package II: 29.36 km), Silchar–Jiribam (Package I: 20 km; Package II: 13 km), and Silchar–Churaibari (Package I: 15.97 km).
- Sribhumi District: The focus here was on the Silchar–Churaibari project, covering Package IV (24.20 km), Package V (24.90 km), Package VI (18.80 km), and Package VII (14.36 km).
- Tinsukia District: The Dibrugarh–Ledo Corridor, specifically Packages III, IV, and V, was also thoroughly reviewed.
Following the detailed assessment, all District Commissioners were given explicit directives to intensify their monitoring of project execution, expedite the disbursement of compensation to affected parties, address lingering issues pertaining to 3G notifications and land alignment, and ensure the timely resolution of any bottlenecks to facilitate smooth and swift implementation.
Furthermore, the Principal Secretary, KAAC, the DCs, and all concerned stakeholders were advised to maintain regular and effective coordination with NHIDCL officials to ensure the seamless execution of these critical projects.
During the meeting, Dr. Krishan Kumar, MD, NHIDCL, provided an insightful overview of NHIDCL’s ambitious long-term infrastructure roadmap. A highlight of his presentation was the first access-controlled greenfield high-speed corridor, a landmark project approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on April 30, 2025. This ambitious 4-lane Greenfield National Highway (NH-06) will span 166.80 km, connecting Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) in Meghalaya to Panchgram (near Silchar) in Assam. With an estimated capital cost of ₹22,864 crore, this corridor is projected to drastically cut travel time and significantly enhance connectivity with the crucial Barak Valley region.
Dr. Kumar also provided an update on the proposed Siliguri–Guwahati 4-lane access-controlled High-Speed Corridor, currently under active consideration by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). He emphasized the strategic importance of this project, envisioning its pivotal role in strengthening national security and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity to the entire Northeast region.
In light of these transformative projects, Silchar is strategically positioned to emerge as a major gateway to the Northeast. The timely completion of these critical infrastructure initiatives is not only expected to revolutionize connectivity with the Barak Valley but also to act as a powerful catalyst for the region’s socio-economic development and bolster its strategic readiness.
Both Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota and NHIDCL MD Dr. Krishan Kumar stressed the collaborative efforts required to realize this vision, promising a new era of progress for Assam and the wider Northeast.