Silchar, Assam | In a landmark announcement for the infrastructure landscape of Barak Valley, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Silchar on March 14 to officially lay the foundation stone for the city’s first-ever Elevated Corridor.
The mega-project, spanning from Capital Point to Rangirkhari, is set to revolutionize urban mobility in Silchar, addressing the city’s long-standing traffic woes.
A ₹564-Crore Lifeline for Silchar
The proposed 3.46-km elevated corridor will be constructed with an estimated budget of ₹564.50 crore. Despite initial debates regarding the route, the Chief Minister clarified that the flyover will proceed through the Central Road, connecting Capital Point directly to the Rangirkhari point (Shoppers Stop).
To minimize the impact on local businesses, the government has finalized a single-pillar design.
“We have listened to the concerns of the traders. The single-pillar construction ensures that the commercial activity on Central Road remains as unaffected as possible while providing a permanent solution to traffic congestion,” the CM stated during his visit to Cachar.
March 14: A Day of Mega Foundations
The Prime Minister’s visit is expected to be a historic one for Southern Assam. Apart from the Silchar Elevated Corridor, PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for the Panchgram-Barapani High-Speed Corridor. This project is crucial for enhancing connectivity between Assam and Meghalaya, drastically reducing travel time for commuters and commercial goods.
Industrial Boost: Cachar Cement Plant & Greenfield Airport
The announcement comes on the heels of the CM inaugurating a ₹400-crore Cement Manufacturing Unit by Star Cement at Burunga Hilara in Cachar district. This industrial unit is expected to generate significant local employment and accelerate economic growth in the region.
Furthermore, the CM shared a vital update regarding the Dolu Greenfield Airport.
- Environmental Clearance: The project has officially received its environmental clearance.
- Economic Impact: With the airport and the new high-speed corridors, Silchar is positioned to become a major economic hub in Northeast India.
Project Timeline and Land Acquisition
The government has set an ambitious deadline of 30 months (2.5 years) to complete the elevated corridor. Over 6 bighas of land are being acquired for the project, with a compensation package of ₹100 crore earmarked for affected property owners.
Conclusion
The dual foundation-laying ceremony by PM Modi on March 14 signifies the Centre’s and State’s “Act East” priority. Local MLA Dipayan Chakraborty and other regional leaders have hailed the move as a “golden chapter” for Barak Valley.
