Efforts Underway to Enhance Connectivity Between Guwahati and Barak Valley
Improving Road Connectivity
File image of Minister Kaushik Rai and officials, during the inspection of the construction of NH-27 from Nrimbanglo to Harangajao (Photo: X)
Guwahati, July 7: The Assam government has announced initiatives aimed at improving the road connectivity between Guwahati and the Barak Valley, particularly during the monsoon season.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also oversees the Public Works Department, acknowledged the significant disruptions that occur each monsoon, which often sever the road link from Guwahati to Barak Valley through Meghalaya and Haflong, even with minimal rainfall. This information was shared in a written response to Congress legislator Aminur Rashid Choudhury.
According to data from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the road segments from Lanka to Nrimbanglo and Balachera to Silchar on NH-27 are managed by the PIU-Silchar (NHAI).
Additionally, the Chief Minister pointed out that seven critical landslide-prone areas have been identified along the Meghalaya route, where heavy rainfall has caused significant roadway damage due to slope failures on both sides of the hills and valleys.
To address these issues, the government is implementing various structural improvements, including micro-piling, horizontal boring with perforated pipes, gabion retaining walls, subsurface drainage systems, geo-textiles over embankments, geo-grid WMM layers, and reinforced retaining walls in the affected stretches of NH-27.
Furthermore, comprehensive restoration and mitigation plans have been proposed for the Guwahati to Barak Valley road via Meghalaya to ensure long-term stability and safe traffic flow. A restoration contract worth Rs 49 crore has been awarded to MGB Geotech Pvt Ltd for landscape mitigation and rehabilitation efforts, which are currently in progress at seven locations.
Lastly, the construction of the missing NH-27 link from Nrimbanglo to Harangajao is underway and is expected to be completed by September 2026, as stated by Sarma.