Flyover at Silchar town not feasible, replies PWD Minister in Assam Assembly

Aug. 9: AIUDF MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya from Sonai raised a question (Starred Q. No. 203) during the ongoing session of Assam Legislative Assembly as regards construction of a flyover in Silchar. MLA Barbhuiya asked whether the state government is aware of the fact that many street accidents occur in Silchar due to excessive traffic jam. He also added whether the state government has taken up any proposal for construction of a flyover in Silchar. He finally asked, “If the government has not taken up the proposal for construction of a flyover in Silchar, then will it do so at the earliest?”

In a written reply to the question filed by MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya, PWD minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on 9 August, 2021 stated that the state government is aware of the fact of traffic jam and street accidents occurring in Silchar. Dr Sarma further wrote in his reply that, “The preliminary work of doing measurements for a flyover in Silchar was done at Intersection point at India Club on NH-37 and Station Approach Road. However, after the measurements at these sites were done, it came to light that construction of a flyover at Silchar town is not feasible. So construction work of the same was not started.”

The written reply by the concerned minister further stated that the opinion expressed by the Chief Engineer was provided in Annexure-A.

Speaking on this issue, Minister Pijush Hazarika stated, “In the feasibility report, we have stated that there would be problem of eviction and so naturally, acquisition of land for the purpose of a flyover in Silchar will be problematic. So at this moment, there is difficulty in constructing it. But at the same time, I too accept that Silchar needs a flyover. I will again try to procure a feasibility report. We need to convince the people. In Silchar, we have seen that buildings have been constructed over the road on government land. Sometimes, when houses of people are demolished, than a humanitarian aspect also surfaces. So considering all such aspects, I can say that I will have a talk with the concerned department, even the honourable Chief Minister will also see to it so that ways and means are devised for a positive approach.”