Free ferry services would be provided from Thursday during the Gammon bridge repair phase, Kaushik anounces

way2barak, May 27:  Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Mines and Minerals, and Barak Valley Development, Kaushik Rai, undertook a visit to Cachar district on Tuesday. His itinerary included an intensive review of key infrastructural projects aimed at enhancing public connectivity, health services, and administrative efficiency in the Barak Valley.

The Minister began his visit with a thorough inspection of the ongoing repair works at the Katigorah Gammon Bridge, a critical lifeline for thousands of daily commuters. The bridge, currently undergoing urgent restoration, is pivotal for uninterrupted transportation across the region. In line with the directive of Assam CM, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the visit highlighted the State Government’s unwavering dedication to infrastructure resilience and the well-being of the public. Minister Rai was joined by Cachar District Commissioner Mridul Yadav, Additional Secretary of the Barak Valley Development Department Ranjit Kumar Laskar, senior engineers from NHIDCL, and top officials of the Public Works Department. Together, they assessed the progress of repair works, ensuring that quality and safety remain uncompromised.

Addressing concerned residents at the bridge site, the Minister listened attentively to public grievances and offered heartfelt reassurances. He stressed that the government is working relentlessly to mitigate the inconvenience caused and to complete the project at the earliest.

“The Honourable Chief Minister is personally monitoring this issue, and I am here to ensure that our commitments on the ground are met in full spirit,” Minister Rai stated.

He further emphasized that the Katigorah bridge will soon be fully operational, symbolizing strength, connectivity, and progress.

In a public relief measure, the Minister announced that free ferry services would be provided across the river starting May 29, 2025, to facilitate daily travel during the repair phase. This initiative, widely appreciated by the locals, reflects the government’s empathetic and responsive approach to public inconvenience.

Minister Rai’s day also included a comprehensive review of the ongoing construction work of the Barak Valley Secretariat in Srikona Silchar. Visiting the project site along with senior administrative officials, including DC Mridul Yadav and Additional Secretary Ranjit Kumar Laskar, the Minister conducted an in-depth meeting with the PWD and contractors. He directed all concerned to expedite the work and complete the project within the scheduled timeline of December 2025. Expressing heartfelt thanks to Assam CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for renaming the project from Barak Valley Mini Secretariat to Barak Valley Secretariat, Minister Rai remarked that the renaming is a reflection of the collective aspirations and pride of the region’s people.

As per the current schedule, the Barak Valley Secretariat is set to be inaugurated in January 2026 by Chief Minister Dr. Hemanta Biswa Sarma,a landmark event that will mark a new administrative chapter for the valley.

Further underscoring the government’s focus on public welfare and service infrastructure, the Minister also visited the newly constructed 500-bedded facility at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH), evaluating its readiness to enhance the region’s healthcare capabilities. He also reviewed progress on the Integrated District Commissioner Office project in Silchar and emphasized the necessity of timely execution for all such vital infrastructure undertakings. His visit concluded with a tour of the convention centre in Silcoorie, Cachar.

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