Concerns Raised Over Poor Quality of National Highway-37 in Assam
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has voiced serious concerns regarding the poor state of National Highway-37 in Assam, particularly between Jorhat and Dibrugarh. During a Lok Sabha session, he referenced a viral video of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari driving on a well-maintained highway, contrasting it with the deteriorating roads in Assam. Gadkari acknowledged the damage caused by heavy rainfall and assured that repairs are underway. Additionally, the session included discussions on a new Health Security Bill aimed at enhancing resources for national security and public health. This article delves into the ongoing issues and government responses.
| Dec 4, 2025, 13:18 IST
Congress MP Highlights Highway Issues
On Thursday, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi expressed his worries regarding the deteriorating condition of National Highway-37, which connects Jorhat and Dibrugarh in Assam. This concern was raised during the question hour in the Lok Sabha, where he referenced a viral video of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari driving on a well-maintained highway, suggesting that Assam's roads do not match that standard.
Highway Quality Under Scrutiny
Gogoi pointed out that a video circulating on social media showed Gadkari's car speeding on a highway. He lamented that in Assam, the situation is frustrating as toll gates exist, yet drivers cannot travel at speeds of 100-130 km/h due to the poor quality of the roads. He emphasized that while residents are paying tolls, they are not receiving highways of the same quality as those shown in the minister's video, particularly criticizing the state of National Highway-37 between Jorhat and Dibrugarh. Although improvements have been made in some areas following Gadkari's intervention, many sections remain in disrepair.
Minister Acknowledges Road Damage
In response, Minister Gadkari acknowledged that heavy rainfall had contributed to the damage of the highway. He confirmed in the house that Gogoi's statements were accurate, noting that the roads were indeed affected after the rains. He assured that investigations were conducted and repairs were underway, expressing confidence that the road conditions would improve. The Lok Sabha session commenced today with opposition MPs protesting against air pollution in North India.
Health Security Bill Discussion
Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to present a proposal in the lower house today regarding the Health Security and National Security Cess Bill, 2025. This bill aims to enhance resources to meet expenditures related to national security and public health, as well as impose a cess on the manufacturing or production of specified items and related processes for these purposes.