Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari, in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, laid the foundation stones of as many as 26 national highway projects in Aizawl. These projects, with a total investment of Rs. 17,500 crore, aim to enhance road connectivity in Assam. During the ceremony, Gadkari laid the foundation stones for the 4-laning/2-laning with paved shoulder of Tinsukia-Makum bypass, 2-laning with paved shoulder of Bogapani to Golai Gaon with Digboi bypass, 2-laning with paved shoulder of Golai Gaon to Ledo with Margherita-Ledo bypass, 4-laning of Kandulijan Gaon – Simen Chapori road, 4-laning of Simen Chapori – Nagabang Gamsuk road, among others. He also dedicated the 4-laning of Kaliabor Tiniali – Dolabari road including the construction of a new 2-lane bridge over river Brahmaputra, 4-laning of Dokmoka – Loring Thepi road, 2-laning of Powamara to Bataia, Trinokhal to Mundamala & Lowarpuwa to Churaibari on NH-8, and the strengthening of Numaligarh – Khatkhati road. Chief Minister Sarma praised Gadkari’s efforts in focusing on road infrastructure in Assam and requested him to support the construction of a ring road in Guwahati, an elevated corridor at Kaziranga to protect wildlife, and a tunnel under river Brahmaputra connecting Gohpur and Numaligarh. Sarma also appealed for the 4-laning of the national highway section between Baihata Chariali and Tezpur. Gadkari expressed his in-principle approval for the ring road and the elevated corridor at Kaziranga. He assured that the demand for the tunnel under river Brahmaputra and the 4-laning of the mentioned highway section will be considered. Additionally, Sarma appealed for the allocation of Rs. 500 crore from the central fund for works under the Asom Mala scheme, to which Gadkari announced the approval of Rs. 600 crore. Sarma highlighted the special place that the Northeast holds in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s heart and expressed gratitude for the continuous progress in the region’s development. The foundation stones for the national highway projects were laid in a significant event, marking a major milestone in the road infrastructure of Assam.