An era of transformation comes with encapsulating a strategic network of infrastructure, trade, and development initiatives. As a pivotal component of economic growth, the economic corridors not only connect key areas within a region but also establish vital links with neighboring places, fostering trade, industrialisation, and overall progress.

The Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways’ vision of making an economic corridor is aimed at harnessing the untapped potential of various states, creating a dynamic economic landscape that resonates locally and extends its impact on a broader scale.

Under Union Budget 2021-22, the economic corridors are taking shape in Assam, heralding economic development in the entire northeast region. 

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Progress so far 

Since 2021, the National Highway (NH) works of 214 km with a total capital cost of Rs 1,892 crore have been completed in addition Highway works of 829 km length with a total cost of Rs. 31,384 crore are under implementation.

Additionally, infra projects with a length of 1,772 km and a total capital cost of Rs. 45,090 crore are planned for award by 2024-25.

Key NH projects in Assam

A four-lane connectivity to Itanagar with a length of 166 km has been awarded for Rs 5,481 crore with 162 km completed so far. Further, a four-laning Numaligarh – Dibrugarh highway of 183 km has been approved with a budget of Rs. 5,653 crores with 129 km completed so far

Additionally, a 4-lane bridge is under construction over the Brahmaputra river between Dhubri and Phulbari on NH 127B with a total length of 19 km for Rs 4,997 crore.

The building of Assam’s road network 

In January 2023, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed a $300 million loan to upgrade over 300 kilometers of state highways and major district roads (MDRs) in Assam.

Notably, apart from upgrading these roads, six road sections in the state’s western, central, and southern regions, will be connected to the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation – bringing Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka closer. 

The corridors linking India with Bhutan and Bangladesh, and are expected to boost cross-border trade and transport. 

In October, the Union Minister for Roads Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 26 National Highway projects with an investment of more than Rs. 17,500 Crore in Guwahati, Assam. 

Besides, these projects include the Dibrugarh-Tinsukia-Ledo project, the Silchar to Lailapur section, NH-515 in Dhemaji District, NH-137, and the Paikan to Guwahati Airport section.