Mahasadak: NHAI to pump in ₹1,823 crore, project to be completed speedily, assures CM Assam

July 15: The Balacherra-Harangajao portion of the East-West Corridor (Mahasadak) is made up of a total of 25.25 km. Of this stretch, 22.05 km falls in Cachar district. The Barail Reserve Forest also falls in this portion. The remaining stretch of 3.20 km falls in Dima Hasao. This stretch of 25.25 km of the much cherished Mahasadak still remains unfinished. A question to this effect was raised during the Budget Session of the Assam Assembly on Thursday by MLA Nandita Garlosa.

Replying to the question on the floor of the Assembly, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Central government has almost withdrawn their investment in our Highways as we failed to comply with their direction of starting toll gates. Their point was, if Gujarat, Bengal can pay toll, why not Assam. They also said that they will be going to withdraw other road funds too if the state government do not open the toll gates. There are some people who oppose toll plaza. But on analysis, we have found that, if we have better roads or 4-lane roads than the investment on petrol comes down. But if roads are poor, then one needs to change brakes frequently and also apply brakes, which results in more fuel consumption. So the psychological analysis by some that toll gates would result in spending more money by the people is not correct.”

The Chief Minister then went on to say, “When we decided to allow National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to built toll plaza, they started to reinvest in our roads. I am very happy to inform you that NHAI has approved an investment of Rs.1,823 crore for a 49 km stretch of road from Mirbungalow to Harangajao. If this work is done, I think the road connectivity between Barak Valley and Brahmaputra Valley will be of a different standard.”

Dr Sarma further said that as of now, if people wants to come to Guwahati from Barak Valley, they have to pass through Meghalaya and due to frequent landslides, blockades etc., they are faced with immense hardships. “Now it has become very essential to complete the stretch of Mahasadak from Lumding to Silchar very speedily, said the CM. He also informed that NHAI now will be constructing the 49 km stretch of road and out of this, 4 km stretch has been given special attention. He said that due to erosion of hills, the road in this 4 km stretch gets easily damaged. So, NHAI has decided to construct 4km elevated road, so that the technical challenge can be solved.

Live from Assam Legislative Assembly https://t.co/iNGzprXh3c

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 15, 2021

The Chief Minister further informed that, “NHAI will float tender for this 49 kms in December 2021. They are now preparing the DPR. I think finally we will get the Mahasadak which was long overdue.” He thanked MLA Nandita Garlosa for raising this issue. He, was, however, quick to add, “I think this issue of Mahasadak is not only important for Dima Hasao, but is equally of prime significance for Barak Balley. I am personally following this matter. Once completed, this will be the best gift for the people of Dima Hasao and Barak Valley. Finally, the dream of Atalji will become a reality.”

 The foundation stone of this 4 lane expressway connecting Silchar with Saurashtra was laid in 2004. In April, 2021, Silchar MP Dr Rajdeep Roy went to inspect the Mahasadak. The team led by MP Silchar went to the spot at Balacherra- Harangajao segment, where a stretch of 25.25 kms was still unfinished since the launch of this ambitious plan by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Dr. Roy informed that as of now 30 percent work of this particular stretch has been done. Out of the 25.25 kms stretch, work has been done in 9.5 kms stretch.

Reviewed work progress of the 25 km 4-lane #Balacherra–#Harangajao expressway with party workers and @MORTHIndia officials.

This road is crucial to connecting #BarakValley with the rest of the country.@nitin_gadkari @OfficeOfNG @himantabiswa @sarbanandsonwal pic.twitter.com/JPlQkRpEOU

— Dr Rajdeep Roy MP ( MS, MCh) (@drrajdeeproy) April 17, 2021

After inspecting the work, Dr. Rajdeep Roy addressed the media at Balachara where he said that Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari while inaugurating the statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the Mahasadak point on 25 December, 2020 assured that this stretch of road will be complete by March 2022. He also stated that the work of Balacherra- Harangajao segment, a stretch of 25.25 kms is being done under the guidance of MoRTH, Government of India and executed by NHIDCL through Sushee Infra & Mines.

Well, there have been enough of assurances since 2004 regarding the completion of the Mahasadak. For the people of Barak Valley and Dima Hasao, it will be another round of fresh hope after the assurance given by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma in the floor of the Assam Legislative Assembly regarding the speedy completion of the dream road by former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee.