Assam CM discusses highways issues with Baalu

New Delhi, Nov 20 (UNI) Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi called on Road Transport and Highways Minister T R Baalu here today to discuss issues relating to road development in the Northeastern State.

Mr Baalu directed NHAI to take up repair work from Khanapura to Jorabat and Jorabat to Nagaon on a priority basis and requested Mr Gogoi to expedite the work relating to the acquisition of land, cutting of trees and shifting of utilities for the progress on the East-West corridor.

Mr Gogoi proposed diversion of about 90 km on the stretches of NH 37, which has to be 4-laned by NHAI, to avoid the Kaziranga National Park and offered an alternative route on NH-52 between Tejpur and Gohpur.

Mr Baalu assured the Chief Minister that a team of senior NHAI officials would be sent to Guwahati to sort this out in consultation with the State government. He also directed the ministry officials to expedite the State government's project regarding Moran-Naharkatia road at a cost of Rs 50 crore.

Mr Gogoi proposed that the remaining 10 district headquarters should be connected by 2-lane roads. He also made a request for the construction of bridges over the Lohit, Dibong and Dihang rivers alongwith development of NH-52 in Arunachal Pradesh to interconnect NH-37 and NH-52. Mr Baalu assured to look into the matter.

Another proposal from the Chief Minister was to retain a 300 years old bridge at Namdang Silor Shako. He also sought enhancement of funds to Rs 17.5 crore (against Rs 5 crore) to repair the flood damages during 2007-08 and Rs 10 crore for restoration of damages.

Mr Baalu said the matter would be considered subject to availability of funds.

Mr Baalu informed Mr Gogoi that the NHAI had been directed to prepare proper design for the development of a junction at Jalukbari and assured efficient traffic circulation on all the connecting arms of the roads.

UNI