Mumbai, July 6 -- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the Centre has approved a Rs 154.31 billion (Rs 15,431 crore) expansion of the Baihata Chariali-Mission Chariali-Tezpur stretch of National Highway 15 (NH-15) that will strengthen connectivity across the state. He stated on social media that the project is intended to make travel faster, safer and more seamless and to accelerate infrastructure-led development. The announcement focuses on widening and upgrading a strategic section that links central Assam with upper Assam.
The upgrade is designed to improve road access to commercial centres, educational institutions and tourist destinations in the region, and to facilitate smoother movement of goods and people. Authorities have indicated that the corridor will enhance links between Guwahati and Sonitpur and provide better access to neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh. Project details include corridor works along a key transport artery that has long been identified for capacity enhancement.
The scheme forms part of the Centre's broader initiative to modernise transport infrastructure in the North East, which has seen investments in roads, bridges, railways and airports in recent years. The Assam government has maintained that improved transport networks are essential for attracting investment, generating employment and promoting balanced regional development. Officials expect the upgraded highway to support regional economic opportunities by reducing travel times and logistics costs.
State planners envisage that the improved NH-15 will strengthen intra-state connectivity and contribute to safer journeys for commuters and freight operators. The Baihata Chariali-Mission Chariali-Tezpur corridor is expected to play a role in integrating markets and opening access to remote districts of upper Assam. The project is being presented as a decisive step towards linking communities with economic opportunity and improving resilience of transport links.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.