Centre’s Rs 15,431 crore NH-15 expansion to boost Assam connectivity: CM Himanta

Guwahati: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the Centre’s Rs 15,431 crore expansion of the Baihata Chariali–Mission Chariali–Tezpur stretch of National Highway-15 will improve connectivity in Assam, making travel faster and safer.In a social media post, Sarma described the project as a major step towards accelerating the state’s infrastructure-led development and improving access to economic opportunities across the region.“When I speak about development, I envision connectivity that brings people closer to opportunities. The Rs 15,431 crore expansion of Baihata Chariali-Mission Chariali-Tezpur stretch of NH-15 is another decisive step in that direction, making travel faster, safer and seamless,” Sarma wrote.The project involves widening and upgrading a key stretch of NH-15, a major transport corridor, to improve links between central and upper Assam. The stretch links Guwahati with Sonitpur and districts of upper Assam, and the upgrade is expected to improve connectivity with Arunachal Pradesh.Officials said the expansion aims to reduce travel time, ease congestion and enhance road safety while enabling smoother movement of goods and passengers.

The upgraded highway is expected to improve connectivity to commercial centres, educational institutions and tourist destinations. The project is part of the Centre’s broader push to modernise infrastructure in the northeast.The Assam govt has said improved transport infrastructure is key to attracting investment, generating employment and ensuring balanced regional development.The CM said infrastructure development remains a priority for driving economic growth and improving public services in the state.