In a massive boost to connectivity and economic development for the entire Barak Valley, Assam Minister and Lakhipur MLA Kaushik Rai today announced that the long-awaited and critically important section of the Silchar–Saurashtra East-West Corridor (NH-27) will be opened to the public for two-lane traffic by January 2026.
The Minister, who heads the Barak Valley Development Department, made the announcement following an extensive inspection of over 60 km of the demanding hill section from Balacherra to Mahur, accompanied by NHIDCL officials and local representatives.
Key Project Milestones and Timelines
The inspection focused on the challenging stretch in the Dima Hasao district, which has historically suffered significant delays due to difficult terrain, landslides, and pre-construction hurdles.
Here is the information from the table reorganized into a clean, bulleted format:
- Target: 2-Lane Opening
- Section: Harangajao to Nerim Bungalow (New Alignment)
- Completion Date: January 31, 2026
- Significance: Will allow uninterrupted traffic movement between Silchar and Guwahati, drastically cutting travel time.
- Target: Full 4-Lane Completion
- Section: Harangajao to Nerim Bungalow
- Completion Date: April 2026
- Significance: Finalization of the full four-lane national highway standard.
- Target: Overall Corridor Cost (Estimated)
- Section: Critical Dima Hasao Section
- Cost: ₹1,674 Crore
- Significance: Confirms the immense investment in the region’s core infrastructure.
Minister Rai confirmed that the construction on the Jatinga–Harangajao segment is nearing completion and that the work is “moving exactly as planned,” aligning with the timeline set by the Chief Minister.
Impact and Strategic Importance
The successful and timely completion of this segment of the Mahasadak is a game-changer for the entire Southern Assam region.
- Drastic Reduction in Travel Time: Once fully operational, the corridor is expected to reduce the road journey between Silchar and Guwahati (approx. 410 km) to just 7 to 8 hours, offering a reliable and faster alternative to the existing routes.
- Gateway to the Northeast: The NH-27, which runs from Silchar to Porbandar, Gujarat, is a crucial artery connecting the entire Barak Valley, along with the neighboring states of Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur, to mainland India, boosting trade and regional economic activity.
- Resolving Roadblocks: The Minister noted that land acquisition issues, which had been a major bottleneck, have been largely resolved, with only a minor parcel of land at Redjol near Jatinga remaining to be cleared, which he is confident will be resolved soon.
Political Commentary and Future Vision
Minister Rai used the inspection to critique the previous government, alleging that the project was intentionally delayed for over a decade (2004–2016) due to withheld environmental clearances. “Only after the BJP came to power did the corridor receive the necessary approvals,” he asserted.
He stated that the completion of this key section marks a “new phase of growth and improved connectivity” and reaffirms the government’s commitment to the holistic development of the Barak Valley.
The East-West Corridor is being executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), with the central government committed to its overall completion by June 2027.
