Barak Valley witnesses unprecedented transformation under CM Sarma, asserts Minister Kaushik

way2barak, October 10: –Under the dynamic leadership of Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Barak Valley is witnessing an unprecedented transformation in roads, elevated corridors, and bridges. “Roads are the arteries of progress, and for Barak Valley’s socio-economic growth, robust connectivity is not just desirable , it is indispensable,” asserted Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Mines and Minerals, and Barak Valley Development, Kaushik Rai, on Friday while chairing a decisive high-level review meeting that set the stage for accelerated infrastructure development across the region.

The comprehensive review session, held at the new conference hall of the District Commissioner’s Office in Silchar, marked a watershed moment in Barak Valley’s developmental journey. Minister Rai’s powerful address underscored the State Government’s unwavering commitment to transforming the region into a thriving hub of connectivity and progress, with the Chief Minister’s vision serving as the guiding force behind this ambitious infrastructure overhaul.

The Minister’s words reflected the tangible changes sweeping across Barak Valley under Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership. The review meeting brought together a formidable assembly of top officials, engineers, and public representatives from across the valley’s three districts , Cachar, Sribhumi, and Hailakandi, to scrutinize progress and address challenges affecting several crucial road projects under the ambitious Bharatmala scheme and other national infrastructure initiatives.

Addressing the distinguished gathering, Minister Rai emphasized that the Government of Assam has placed a strong focus on transforming Barak Valley into a zone of growth, connectivity, and opportunity. “I urge all departments and agencies to rise above procedural delays and deliver these projects within the stipulated timelines,” he said.

In a categorical directive that underscored the government’s zero-tolerance approach to delays, Minister Rai instructed officials of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to ensure the completion of the vital Kashipur road construction work before March 2026. The Minister stressed that this project holds paramount importance for alleviating urban traffic congestion and ensuring seamless connectivity between Silchar’s core and its expanding periphery.

Taking an uncompromising stance on developmental timelines, the Minister expressed profound concern over the sluggish pace of several critical projects, emphasizing that the people of Barak Valley have waited far too long for modern, durable road infrastructure that matches their aspirations and the transformative vision of the Chief Minister.

The meeting examined the status of major arterial projects including the Barapani-Panchgram Expressway, Silchar-Churaibari, Silchar-Vairengte, Silchar-Jiribam, Pailapool-Hangrum, Silchar Bypass, and the Capital Point- stretches , all critical components of the region’s connectivity blueprint that exemplify the unprecedented transformation underway in Barak Valley.

Demonstrating a keen understanding of ground realities, Minister Rai directed highway authorities to undertake urgent repair work on the Capital Point to Sonai Road to enhance intra-city traffic flow and reduce the daily inconvenience faced by commuters in Silchar town. He further called upon NHIDCL to expedite the Pailapool to Hangrum road project in Dima Hasao district, describing it as a vital lifeline that bridges Barak Valley with the hill districts and strengthens inter-regional mobility.

Highlighting the imperative of seamless inter-departmental coordination, Minister Rai stated that frequent delays often stem from land acquisition disputes, drainage complications, and logistical challenges in transporting construction materials. He advised District Commissioners and concerned departments to adopt a mission-mode approach to resolve these bottlenecks on a priority basis.

“We cannot afford complacency when it comes to development. The people of Barak Valley deserve modern infrastructure, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every project under Bharatmala and NHIDCL achieves visible progress on the ground,” mentioned Minister Kaushik Rai..

While appreciating the ongoing efforts of NHIDCL and local administrations, Minister Rai reminded stakeholders of the government’s unwavering expectations regarding quality assurance, sustainability, and accountability in project implementation. “Let these projects reflect the new spirit of Barak Valley , a region determined to move forward with purpose, efficiency, and pride,” he added.

Minister Rai also reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the State Government has adopted a proactive and result-oriented development policy for Barak Valley. He stated that initiatives are being closely monitored at every level, with necessary funds and administrative support being extended to ensure that no project languishes due to official hurdles or lack of coordination.

The Minister emphasized that this hands-on approach from the Chief Minister’s Office has created an environment where developmental aspirations are being converted into concrete realities, with Barak Valley emerging as a prime example of this transformative governance model.

The review meeting witnessed the participation of key officials including Cachar District Commissioner Mridul Yadav, IAS, Sribhumi DC Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi, IAS, Hailakandi DC Abhishek, IAS and MLAs Mihir Kanti Shom, Nihar Ranjan Das, Karim Uddin Barbhuiya, Misbahul Islam Laskar, and Khalil Uddin Mazumdar. Also present were Additional Superintendent of Police Subrata Sen, DFO Cachar Palwe Vijay Trimbak, Commissioner of Silchar Municipal Corporation Srishti Singh, IAS, NHIDCL Executive Director Riten Kumar Singh, NHIDCL General Managers Pranjal Buragohain and Gauranga Deoghare, NHIDCL Manager Gaurav Agarwal and representatives of concerned contractors and engineers.

This is stated in a press release issued by Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.