Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday urged Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari to improve and strengthen road transport and inland water connectivity in the state.
In a memorandum submitted to the Union Minister, who is on a two-day visit to Assam, Gogoi urged him for development of road transport and inland water connectivity as this was critical for growth and development of Assam as well as the entire North East.
"Road and inland water transport are the two most important mediums of mass transportation for the common man in Assam. Road transport continues to be the most economically viable mode for transportation of goods and passengers. At the same time, inland water transport is a lifeline for
connectivity for the rural population of the state," he said. "Under the 'Act East Policy', the North East is envisaged as India's land bridge to the South-East and East Asian nations. Development of road infrastructure of the North East connecting the region with Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Bhutan is thus critical," he added.
It is imperative that the infrastructure in the North-East is created and upgraded to the same standard as that of the South-East Asian nations.
Gogoi hoped that the visit of Gadkari would provide the necessary impetus for completion of the many ongoing national highway, roads and inland water transport schemes.
Gogoi urged Gadkari for his urgent intervention and assistance for strengthening and upgradation of the National Highways and roads to extend their reach.
The Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to entrust the construction work of the newly declared NHs, viz., 427, 117A, 715A, 127E, 627, 702, 702D & 329 to the appropriate agencies and said a total length of 716 km was yet to be given to any agency.
Taking up the progress of construction of the East-West Corridor, Gogoi urged Gadkari to expedite the construction work of the additional bridge over the Brahmaputra river adjacent to the Saraighat Bridge.
"The delay has resulted in a traffic bottleneck at the existing Saraighat Bridge resulting in huge traffic jams," he added.
He also urged Gadkari to expedite the construction in the Jatinga-Harangjhao section that has come to a standstill due to land sliding.
"The East-West corridor is a vital link to the Barak Valley. However, this stretch requires realignment to avoid the landslide prone areas," he added.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the state government had taken up the issue of land acquisition seriously and resolved a large number of cases and issues to enable continued implementation as well as regular monitoring of the situation.
Gogoi pleaded with Gadkari to provide adequate funds for construction of rural roads. He requested Gadkari for setting up of a machinery bank to provide machinery to local entrepreneurs for construction work.
The Chief Minister requested Gadkari for a special investment package for improving the quality of the National Highways passing through the Barak Valley.
"Necessary funds for annual as well as periodic maintenance may also be sanctioned with a special enhanced allocation for Barak Valley," he said.
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