Major Infrastructure Project Announced for Dima Hasao
Significant Development in Dima Hasao
Guwahati, June 4: The government has unveiled a substantial initiative worth Rs 3,875 crore aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism in Dima Hasao by developing roads to National Highway standards.
This ambitious project will focus on upgrading five major roads within the hill district, spanning a total of 348 kilometers, marking the largest financial commitment by the state for this area.
During a press briefing following a Cabinet meeting at Lok Sewa Bhawan, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, “This is the largest allocation ever made by an Assam government for the hill district. The tendering process has been finalized, and construction is set to commence post-monsoon.”
Sarma explained that the central government will cover 80% of the project costs, while the state will contribute the remaining 20%. “The Centre, with support from the World Bank, will finance 80% of the expenses, with the state government covering the rest,” he noted.
Approved by the central government in December 2022, this initiative aims to reconstruct roads that were severely impacted by the catastrophic floods of that year.
The reconstruction efforts will also include the restoration of 11 wooden bridges and various smaller road segments, as previously mentioned by Sarma during a review meeting with the Public Works (Roads) Department during one of his visits to the district.
The floods and landslides had inflicted damage estimated at ₹1,000 crore on the district, according to official reports. Continuous rainfall had disrupted vital road and rail connections, including the New Haflong Railway Station, which serves as a crucial lifeline for the area.
Describing the funding as “great news” for the district's residents, the Chief Minister expressed optimism that this development would enhance the Bharatiya Janata Party's chances in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections. “With such an allocation, we believe the people will support us,” he remarked when asked about the party's electoral prospects.
Additional announcements from the June 4 Cabinet meeting include:
- Title Change: The Superintendent of Police will now be referred to as the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).
- BTC Funding: An allocation of Rs 843 crore has been approved for the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
- University Establishment: Approval granted for the establishment of Swahid Kanaklata Barua University at Bholaguri Tea Estate, Gohpur.
- Agricultural Support: A one-time grant of ₹15 lakh will be provided to 300 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Farm Produce Companies under the Mukhya Mantri Utkarsh Yojana.