With the aim of immediate reconstruction of national highways in Assam damaged by the recent devastating floods and to further strengthen the state’s road infrastructure, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Monday.
In the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized not only the immediate repair of highways damaged by floods but also the adoption of a long-term plan to ensure that road connectivity is not disrupted during natural disasters.
Stressing the need to prioritize Assam’s geographical conditions and the data and experience of flood-prone areas in highway construction planning, he said that proper placement of culverts and bridges and improved design can make the drainage system much stronger. The Chief Minister stated that this would protect the highways from the ravages of floods.
The meeting also discussed in detail the complex and recurring artificial flood problem at Jorabat. The Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to prepare a comprehensive re-design of the highway infrastructure in the area to find a permanent engineering solution.
In addition, progress of mega projects like the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor and the Guwahati Ring Road was reviewed and discussions were held on expediting the works as well as upgrading the state’s major highways. At the end of the meeting, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari assured all possible cooperation from the Centre to make Assam’s road communication system smooth and robust.
The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, Assam Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. K K Dwivedi and several top officials of the state government and the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.