The Union government Thursday approved the construction of an access-controlled 135.87 km four lane highway corridor with an estimated cost of Rs 8,970.2 crore in Assam between Baihata Chariali near Guwahati and Tezpur. The project is expected to have an important impact on improving road connectivity in the Northeast region and reduce travel times by almost 50%.
The new highway corridor is expected to be built on NH-15, alleviating traffic congestion on the current road NH-27, which passes south of the Brahmaputra River. According to the authorities, the project does not include the Mangaldoi Bypass (15.11 km) and will improve the flow of traffic including passenger movement and movement of commercial vehicles in the region.
The main advantage of this project will be the construction of Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) 4.9 kilometers long along the Tezpur Bypass. The installation will be set up in consultation with the Indian Air Force and will enhance strategic infrastructure and be used to assist in emergency defense operations in the area as needed.
The highway will enhance connectivity to eight PM Gati Shakti economic nodes, two aspirational districts (Darrang and Udalguri) and three tourist destinations (Kaziranga National Park, Orang National Park and Kamakhya Temple), according to the government.
The corridor will also give improved access to seven key logistics nodes, such as rail and airport stations and inland waterway terminals, enhancing the efficiency of trade and transportation.
The government feels that the highway will spur economic growth, make transport connectivity easier, boost tourism and fortify Northeast’s transport system.