98% East-West Corridor Work to Be Completed in One and a Half Month, Says Minister Krishnendu Paul

Newly appointed Assam Cabinet Ministers Kaushik Rai and Krishnendu Paul arrived in Barak Valley on Friday for the first time after being inducted into the state cabinet following the 2026 Assembly elections. The two ministers reached Silchar by road from Guwahati and were accorded a warm reception by party workers and supporters.

Supporters welcomed the ministers with drums, firecrackers and celebratory processions before escorting them to the district BJP office at Itkhola in Silchar. At the party office, leaders and workers felicitated both ministers and congratulated them on their new responsibilities.

Speaking to reporters, Kaushik Rai said that in his role as a cabinet minister he aims to contribute towards the development of every city and region of Assam. Referring to Barak Valley, he said that he, along with fellow minister Krishnendu Paul, local MPs and the people of the valley, would work together to ensure greater development and progress in the region. Rai also informed that work on the proposed flyovers in Silchar is expected to begin within the next one to one-and-a-half months.

Krishnendu Paul, meanwhile, spoke about the condition of roads in Barak Valley, particularly the East-West Corridor project. He informed that a review meeting was held on Friday with officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). According to him, District Commisioners and other officials from various districts including officials from Dima Hasao also participated in the meeting through virtual mode.

Paul said the progress of road projects was reviewed in detail and district administrations had been directed to address all pending issues affecting construction work. He expressed confidence that within the next one to one-and-a-half months, nearly 97 to 98 per cent of the ongoing road works would be completed. He added that efforts would be made to ensure smooth and obstruction-free completion of all projects.

The ministers also reiterated that the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, remains committed to resolving the major issues facing Barak Valley and continuing the pace of development in the region.

Following the formation of the new Assam ministry in June 2026, Kaushik Rai was entrusted with the portfolios of Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Cooperation. He has also been assigned as Guardian Minister for Sribhumi and Hailakandi districts.

Krishnendu Paul was given charge of the Public Health Engineering, Hill Areas and Barak Valley Development departments. He has additionally been appointed Guardian Minister for Cachar and Dima Hasao districts.