‘Asom Mala’

Blog Credit: Trupti Thakur

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Asom Mala

In its weekly cabinet meeting, the Assam government has given the green light for a major infrastructure project, the construction of a 1000-kilometer “High-Speed Economic Corridor” road. This ambitious project, with an estimated cost of Rs 3,000 crore, will play a crucial role in enhancing the state’s connectivity and infrastructure. The decision reflects the government’s commitment to advancing key development initiatives.

High-Speed Economic Corridor

The proposed 1000-kilometer “High-Speed Economic Corridor” will be an integral part of the ‘Asom Mala’ project, which aims to improve the state’s road network and transportation infrastructure. The corridor is expected to significantly boost connectivity and economic development across Assam.

Judicial Guest House in Kaziranga

The state cabinet has also given its approval for the construction of a Judicial Guest House in Kaziranga. A parcel of land measuring “7 Bigha, 2 Katha, 10 Lessa” at Halowagaon revenue village under Kaziranga Mouza of Bokakhat revenue circle has been allocated for this purpose. The establishment of the guest house is anticipated to benefit the tourism sector and offer top-notch hospitality to state guests and Gauhati High Court guests visiting Kaziranga National Park.

Office Building for Commissioner of Taxes

The cabinet has approved the completion of a new office building for the Commissioner of Taxes, with an additional estimate of Rs 11.91 crore allocated for additional works. A re-validation of the administrative approval has been issued for Rs 100.61 crore, extending until March 31, 2024.

Infrastructure Upgradation and Rural Roads

Funds have been approved for various projects, including the Sipajhar Municipal Board, the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary, and the upgradation of rural roads and bridges under PWD (Roads). To expedite the upgradation of 90 rural roads and four rural bridges, the Assam government will raise a loan of up to Rs 950.43 crore from NABARD.

Cabinet Meetings in District Headquarters

The state cabinet has resolved to hold cabinet meetings in district headquarters in the coming months. The meetings are scheduled to take place in Tinsukia in November, North Lakhimpur in December, and Nagaon in January. This initiative aims to facilitate governance at the grassroots level and foster closer engagement with local communities.

 

Patna–Guwahati High Speed Rail Corridor is one of the six new proposed high-speed rail lines that will run from Bihar’s capital Patna to Assam’s largest city, Guwahati, via the Siliguri Corridor.^[2]

This line is set to boost the connectivity in Northeastern India by linking with the Delhi–Kolkata line.^[3]

Possible stations

The route is according to the planned alignment as shown in National Rail Plan’s (NRP) High-speed rail line map. As far as it is planned, the possible routes may be via Katihar & New Jalpaiguri with a 414-kilometre (257 mi) spur line to connect Howrah from Katihar. From Patna to Guwahati, Barauni, Khagaria, Naugachhia, Kishanganj, New Coochbehar, New Bongaigaon & Rangiya may be the stations enroute. For Howrah connection line, Nabadwip Dham, Bolpur Rampurhat & Malda Town may be the stations enroute.

 

Guwahati, Oct 10 (IANS) The Assam government will spend at least Rs 3,000 crore on a 1,000 km-long economic corridor project in the state, officials said on Tuesday.

The ambitious project known as ‘Asom Mala’ scheme has received the preliminary approval of the cabinet.

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State Tourism Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said that in a cabinet meeting that was held on Monday night, an additional budget of Rs. 950 crore was also approved for uplifting the rural infrastructure.

“The money would be borrowed from NABARD. The Public Works Department will upgrade 90 rural roads and four rural bridges with the help of the loan,” he told reporters here.

Additionally, it was decided that the cabinet meetings in November and December would take place in the districts of Tinsukia and North Lakhimpur, respectively, and that the meeting in January of the following year would take place in Nagaon.

According to the Minister, the deputy commissioners have been instructed to keep cabinet meeting expenses to a maximum of Rs 5 lakhs and to refrain from making any further repairs to circuit houses and inspection bungalows for the same reason.

In accordance with a directive from the Supreme Court, the cabinet also approved the updated draft notification designating a 1-km radius surrounding the Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary in Tinsukia as an eco-sensitive zone.

Moreover, the allocation of land for the development of a judicial guest house in Kaziranga National Park for state visitors and guests of the Gauhati High Court also received approval from the cabinet.

 

 

Blog By: Trupti Thakur