Silchar Elevated Corridor Project Dependent on Public Consensus, Says Chief Minister

Public Mandate Crucial for Silchar Corridor Project

Dholai, Dec 6: On Saturday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that the development of the proposed elevated corridor in Silchar will only proceed if the local residents provide a clear and unified mandate, highlighting that the government will refrain from moving forward amidst conflicting public opinions.

Sarma noted that the government responded swiftly to the project in light of the increasing traffic issues in Silchar.

“This initiative is in response to public demand. If the community supports it, we will proceed; if not, we will halt. I remain impartial. The commencement of work will depend on the public's decision,” he remarked.

Reaffirming the administration's preparedness, he stated, “We are set to go. The contractor is on standby, and funds are available; if the community wishes for work to start tomorrow, we are ready to begin.”

The 3.5-km corridor, which has received Cabinet approval with a budget of Rs 564.50 crore, reached the tendering phase in August.

To assess public opinion, a meeting was convened by the District Administration on November 19, led by Cabinet Minister Kaushik Rai.

While the majority of attendees supported the corridor as a necessary solution to ongoing traffic jams, some business representatives expressed concerns regarding the current design and its potential effects on local businesses.

With these differing perspectives now formally acknowledged, Sarma indicated that the subsequent steps will hinge entirely on the collective decision of the populace.

The Chief Minister also addressed the ongoing protests by 108 ambulance workers, clarifying that the issue is linked to the private agency managing the service.

“This is related to privatization, not the government. These workers are not our employees; they work for the Emergency Management and Research Institute (EMRI). Their protest is directed at the agency, not us. I handle tenders and ensure funds are allocated to the owners. Once they receive the funds, the wages they pay their employees are their concern,” he explained.

Earlier that day, Sarma distributed seed capital under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) in Hailakandi and Dholai LACs, providing cheques of Rs 10,000 each to 17,774 women in Hailakandi and 20,045 in Dholai.