Asom Mala Project: Assam to get a 1,000 km lifeline with an investment of ₹ 3,000 Crore
Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has announced a major infrastructure project that promises to transform the state’s connectivity landscape. The ₹ 3,000 crore Asom Mala project will see the construction of a 1,000 km long corridor of roads and bridges, aiming to create an all-weather and high-speed intra-state network.
This ambitious project is expected to have a significant impact on Assam’s economy and social development. Improved connectivity will reduce travel times, making it easier for people and goods to move across the state. This will boost trade and commerce, leading to increased economic activity and job creation.
The Asom Mala project will also play a crucial role in strengthening Assam’s infrastructure resilience. The new roads and bridges will be built to withstand floods and other natural disasters, which are common in the region. This will help to ensure that essential services and supplies can reach even the remotest areas during times of crisis.
There are four main programs to under the Asom Mala Project. These programs are State Owned Priority Development (SOPD), Assam Secondary Road Network Improvement Project (ASRIP), Assam SASEC Corridor Connectivity Improvement Project (ASCCIP), NABARD Infrastructure Development Assistance (NIDA).
Projects like Ghographur-Damodardham Bijulighat, Singimari-Sualkuchi, Garmur-Jengrai, Dhupguri-Dhekiajuli and Dolongghat-Tangla were undertaken under the SOPD program. Most have been completed and few are nearing completion.
The ASRIP program includes projects like Dhodor Ali in Golaghat, Sarthebari-Pathsala in Barpeta, Balichapori-Majuli-Bongalmara in Lakhimpur and River Bridge Construction in Subansiri.
Projects like Chapaguri Amteka at the Bhutan border, Jogighopa Oudibi in Bongaigaon, Borkhola Kambar Bazar in Kalain, and Hailakandi Dwarbond were successfully implemented under the ASCCIP program.
With a focus on urban development, NIDA has contributed to projects like Rowta-Missamari Road, Dirakgate-Pengerree Road, Kokrajhar-Rupsi Airport (Kokrajhar Bypass), and Dergaon-Golaghat in Rangajan.
Chief Minister Sarma has described the Asom Mala project as a “game-changer” for Assam. He said that the project will not only improve physical connectivity but also bring people closer together.
In a post on the microblogging site, X, Sarma writes, “The ₹3,000 cr Asom Mala initiative is bringing people together through a 1,000 km long corridor of roads and bridges being built under the scheme. With this we will achieve an all-weather & high speed intra state connectivity.”
The ₹3,000 cr Asom Mala initiative is bringing people together through a 1,000 km long corridor of roads and bridges being built under the scheme.
With this we will achieve an all-weather & high speed intra state connectivity. pic.twitter.com/GD2Djly0S6
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) December 18, 2023
The Asom Mala project is a major undertaking having the potential to transform Assam for the better. With its focus on infrastructure development, the project has the potential to unlock Assam’s true economic potential and make it a leading state in India.
