Assam’s 2024 budget gives fillip to infrastructure development in the State

Published by
Kishore Upadhyay

Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Government of Assam unveils an ambitious budget proposal for infrastructure development, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a fully developed India by 2047. With a focus on bolstering connectivity, enhancing healthcare facilities, and ensuring housing for all, the proposed Budget reflects a steadfast commitment to fostering inclusive growth and prosperity across the region. In alignment with PM Modi’s call for a ‘Vikasit Bharat’ (Developed India), the Government’s initiatives aim to lay a robust foundation for a brighter and more connected future, resonating with the aspirations of every citizen.

Projects for Amrit Kaal

The Amrit Kaal administration has embarked on an ambitious journey to fulfil the aspirations of the Amrit Peedi through a series of next-generation projects. These projects encompass a diverse range of initiatives aimed at enhancing various aspects of the region’s development. Among these initiatives are the Maa Kamakhya Divyaloka Pariyojan, with an estimated cost of 498 crores, signalling a significant investment in spiritual infrastructure. Additionally, the Infrastructure development of Guwahati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) stands out with an estimated cost of 3250 crores, indicating a substantial commitment to healthcare advancement. The renovation of Nehru Stadium into a World-Class Sports Arena, with an estimated cost of 832 crores, underscores the administration’s focus on sports and recreation. Furthermore, the modernisation of Assam State Zoo in Guwahati, with an estimated cost of 311 Crores, reflects efforts towards environmental conservation and tourism development. The establishment of Kanaklata University in Gohpur, with an estimated cost of 554 crores, signifies a commitment to educational excellence. Moreover, plans for a modern campus for Gauhati High Court at Rang Mahal, North Guwahati, including land acquisition and project costs totalling 410 crores, highlight initiatives to strengthen the judicial infrastructure. The proposed Kaziranga Natural History Museum, with an estimated cost of 886 crores, aims to showcase the region’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Lastly, the rejuvenation of Deepor Beel, with an estimated cost of 100 crores, reflects efforts towards environmental conservation and sustainable development. Collectively, these projects represent a comprehensive approach towards fulfilling the developmental aspirations of Amrit Peedi, signalling a transformative era for the region.

Creating Growth Corridors

Creating growth corridors is paramount to fostering economic development and regional connectivity. Under the Amrit Kaal administration, significant strides have been made in road projects in Assam, boasting over 50,000 km of surfaced PWD roads. With an average of 12 km of roads constructed daily over the past two years, the Government has laid a solid foundation for enhancing accessibility and infrastructure. Notably, the doubling of the entire road length in Assam since 2014 underscores the transformative impact of these initiatives. Moving forward, the administration remains steadfast in its dedication to expanding these corridors, facilitating smoother movement of goods, services, and people across the region, and unlocking new avenues for growth, connectivity, and prosperity for all citizens of Assam.

Mukhya Mantrir Pakipath Nirman Achani

Under the leadership of the Mukhya Mantri, significant strides have been made to enhance the infrastructure of road networks. In the fiscal year 2022-23, the approval for the construction of 1202 kilometres of roads was granted, with a budget allocation of Rs 1363 crore. Building on this momentum, the year 2023-24 witnessed further advancements, with the initiation of development for an additional 1136 km of roads, supported by an allocated budget of Rs 1550 crore. These projects, currently in the awarding stage, signify a steadfast commitment to improving connectivity and fostering socio-economic growth across the region.

Mukhya Mantrir Unnoto Pakipath Nirman Achani

Under the Mukhya Mantri Unnoto Pakipath Nirman Achani scheme, the Amrit Kaal administration has prioritised road infrastructure development. With a focus on enhancing connectivity and accessibility, projects encompassing a total length of 328 km have been sanctioned, signalling a commitment to bolstering transportation networks. Backed by an outlay of Rs. 529 crores, these endeavours are currently underway, reflecting the Government’s dedication to advancing vital infrastructure for the benefit of the populace. As progress continues, this initiative stands as a testament to the Government’s proactive approach towards infrastructure enhancement, promising a brighter and more connected future for all.

Mukhya Mantrir Mothauri Pokikaran Achani

The Mukhya Mantri Mothauri Pokikaran Achani initiative has seen significant progress in road infrastructure development under the Amrit Kaal administration. With a focus on improving connectivity and accessibility, projects aimed at enhancing transportation networks have been sanctioned, signalling a commitment to stimulating economic growth and fostering development across the region. Backed by substantial budget allocations and ongoing efforts, these endeavours aim to improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and ensure a brighter and more connected future for all citizens.

Mukhya Mantrir Path Nobikaran Achani

The Chief Minister’s initiative to upgrade infrastructure, particularly in road networks, has seen significant progress. With sanctioned projects totalling 1848 km of road length and plans for an additional 1707 km, the administration’s commitment to sustaining momentum in transportation infrastructure development is evident. These projects, currently underway and in the award process stage, aim to ensure continued development and improvement in the state’s transportation infrastructure, facilitating smoother movement and connectivity across Assam.

Asom Mala 2.0

As part of the Asom Mala 2.0 initiative, a comprehensive plan has been laid out to enhance Assam’s road infrastructure, with a particular focus on linking well-developed National Highways with rural roads. The project encompasses the development of a 1000-km road network, including the construction of 38 bridges across 28 districts. With an estimated cost of Rs 3500 Crores, the implementation of Asom Mala 2.0 is set to commence in March 2024, marking a significant step towards improving connectivity and accessibility throughout the region.

Furthermore, several ambitious projects are already in progress or in various stages of implementation. These include the widening of existing two-lane roads to four-lane roads, such as the aesthetically upgraded road from Dharapur to VIP Junction, facilitating smoother connectivity to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. Additionally, flyovers at key junctions like Baruah Chariali to Bhogdoi Bridge in Jorhat and Cycle Factory Junction in Guwahati, along with a four-lane elevated road on Gopinath Bordoloi road, are aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving urban mobility.

Innovative projects like the ropeway connecting Biswanath Ghat and Umatumani Island, offering a unique travel experience and boosting tourism, further underscore the state’s commitment to fostering sustainable infrastructure development. Notably, the proposed bridge over the Brahmaputra, linking Guwahati and North Guwahati, and the Palashbari – Sualkuchi bridge represent monumental endeavors that will significantly enhance connectivity and facilitate economic growth across the region. With these initiatives, Asom Mala 2.0 aims to revolutionise Assam’s transportation landscape, ushering in a new era of progress and development.

The Government’s allocation of Rs 7,575 crores towards infrastructure development underscores a significant commitment to enhancing connectivity and accessibility across diverse regions. These 31 projects encompass the construction of major bridges, the expansion of roads, and the improvement of existing transportation networks, aiming to bolster economic growth and social integration. From the construction of vital bridges over rivers like Subansiri and Pagladiya to the enhancement of road networks spanning from Diphu to Mukalmua, each endeavor represents a strategic investment in the nation’s infrastructure backbone. By fostering smoother transportation routes, these initiatives not only facilitate easier movement of goods and people but also promote regional development and livelihood opportunities. With a focus on both urban and rural areas, the Government’s comprehensive approach to infrastructure development seeks to bridge geographical divides and pave the way for inclusive progress. Through prudent utilisation of resources and diligent execution, these projects are poised to leave a lasting impact on the socio-economic landscape, laying the groundwork for a more connected and resilient nation.

Mukhya Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin)

In pursuit of the noble goal of “Housing for All,” the Mukhya Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) was introduced, aiming to provide additional housing units for the underprivileged. With an initial phase targeting the construction of 1,30,000 houses, this initiative marks a significant stride towards ensuring adequate housing for all residents of Assam, particularly those from marginalised communities. The Government’s commitment to addressing the housing needs of various segments of society reflects its dedication to inclusivity and social welfare.

Housing for Police Personnel

Our Government is committed to ensuring adequate and comfortable housing for our dedicated police personnel and their families. With plans to construct 10,000 new 2 BHK housing units over the next five years, strategically distributed across all Assam Police Battalions and within the premises of the esteemed Lachit Borphukan Police Academy, the administration aims to fulfil its commitment to providing quality accommodation for those serving the state. In the upcoming financial year of 2024-25, the Government aims to complete the construction of 2,000 houses, marking a substantial step towards this goal.

The Amrit Kaal budget’s ambitious agenda for next-generation projects underscores its commitment to realising the aspirations of its citizens and fostering inclusive growth across Assam. From creating growth corridors to bolstering road infrastructure and ensuring housing for all segments of society, the Government’s initiatives aim to enhance connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for all residents. As these projects unfold, promising a brighter and more connected future for Assam, the administration’s dedication to progress and development shines through, promising a new era of prosperity for the state and its people.

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