Silchar's Capital Point–Rangirkhari Road to Undergo Major Reconstruction

Significant Road Transfer and Reconstruction Plans

Silchar, July 16: The Capital Point–Rangirkhari road in Silchar is set to be handed over from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to the Assam Public Works Department (PWD). This transfer is part of a larger initiative aimed at reconstructing the damaged road segment and permanently limiting heavy vehicle access through this busy area.

During a detailed review meeting held at the Cachar District Commissioner's office, Cabinet Minister Kaushik Rai revealed this decision. The meeting focused on both urgent repair needs and long-term strategies to alleviate traffic congestion on the city's internal roads.

Rai stated, "We will initiate the process of de-notifying the Capital Point–Rangirkhari stretch from NHIDCL and transferring it to Assam PWD immediately. We cannot afford to delay addressing the current road conditions while waiting for the proposed flyover project."

Last year, NHIDCL had invested around Rs 2.3 crore for repairs on the 2.3-km stretch. However, parts of the road, especially in central Silchar, began to deteriorate with the onset of the monsoon in late March. Following a review in June, NHIDCL was instructed to conduct emergency repairs.

According to Rai, the agency has started temporary restoration efforts by laying paver blocks, as no separate tender was issued for emergency work. Repairs are currently ongoing on the remaining 1.5-km stretch.

He emphasized, "The paver-block installation is merely a temporary fix to provide immediate relief during the rainy season. A lasting solution will be achieved through comprehensive reconstruction by Assam PWD."

Rai pointed out that full-scale bituminous resurfacing is not feasible during the rainy season. Assam PWD will draft a new estimate and aim to complete the road reconstruction within two months, depending on weather conditions.

The government has also decided to impose a permanent restriction on heavy vehicles on the Capital Point–Rangirkhari road. Police will issue a directive for trucks, buses, and other heavy vehicles to utilize NH-37 and the Silchar bypass instead.

Rai remarked, "This will not be a temporary diversion. Once the road is transferred to Assam PWD, we plan to permanently restrict heavy vehicles on this stretch to protect the city roads from further damage."

The NH-37 segment that runs through Tarapur towards Rangpur will remain under NHIDCL, which has also been tasked with necessary repairs, including laying paver blocks.

Rai mentioned that NHIDCL has been instructed to monitor weather forecasts and identify two suitable nights for temporarily closing the road to heavy vehicles to facilitate uninterrupted repair work.

The meeting also addressed the proposed Silchar bypass flyover project. This nearly 3-km corridor consists of about 2 km under NHIDCL and 1 km under Assam PWD.

Reportedly, machinery and construction materials for the project have faced delays of nearly 20 days due to damage to a bridge at Gumrah along the transportation route. However, these materials are expected to arrive at the project site within the next two to three days.

Rai expressed optimism, stating, "We anticipate the machinery's arrival soon, after which work on the flyover can commence. This project is crucial for alleviating congestion and redirecting through traffic away from the city."

In the second phase, the Rangirkhari–Sonabarighat stretch will also be transferred to Assam PWD once NHIDCL completes drainage work. Upon completion, the entire road from Capital Point to Sonabarighat will fall under the State PWD, while the Silchar bypass will remain a designated national highway corridor.

The review meeting also evaluated the condition of the 1.9-km road from Birbal Bazar in Meherpur to the Silchar Medical College and Hospital.

Of the nearly Rs 26 crore allocated for land acquisition, approximately Rs 12 crore has already been disbursed. The administration aims to finalize the remaining land acquisition and utility-shifting processes and hand over the entire stretch to the contractor by August 20.

Rai stated, "The contractor has been directed to commence maintenance of the existing road immediately. Concurrently, all outstanding land acquisition and utility-related issues will be resolved to ensure the full stretch can be handed over within the stipulated deadline."

To alleviate congestion, police personnel will be deployed around the clock in shifts at key locations between Birbal Bazar and the Silchar Medical College bridge to manage traffic flow.

Recognizing the challenges faced by residents and the protests regarding the city's deteriorating roads, Rai assured that the government is fully aware of public concerns.

He acknowledged, "The difficulties faced by the people are valid, and we completely understand them. Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma has been personally overseeing the situation. Our goal is to provide immediate relief while also implementing a permanent and technically sound solution."

Rai concluded by stating that specific responsibilities and timelines have been assigned to the relevant departments, expressing confidence that road conditions in Silchar will improve soon.