CM Sarma: East-West Corridor to be Completed in One Year, New Route via Meghalaya to Boost Connectivity

Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Thursday (February 20), addressed the ongoing East-West Corridor project and new connectivity plans for Barak Valley during the Discussion on the “Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s Address” in the Budget Session of Assam Legislative Assembly. Responding to questions raised by MLAs, he highlighted key infrastructure developments aimed at enhancing road connectivity.

In response to a query from Borkhola MLA Misbahul Islam Laskar regarding the completion of the East-West Corridor in Cachar and Dima Hasao, CM Sarma stated that multiple development projects were underway in Barak Valley. “One is the route through Haflong, and the work is progressing at full speed. Misbahul Islam pointed out that it would take two years to complete, but I want to say that, the work that didn’t happen in 75 years, what is the problem if it gets completed within 2 years? Let’s say it takes 3 years, but according to me it is going to take another one year for completion,” he remarked, emphasising the “unprecedented pace of work”.

CM Sarma further revealed plans for an alternative route through Meghalaya, reducing travel time between Guwahati and Panchgram to five hours, which would be faster than the Haflong route. “The new route from Barapani through the hills to Panchgram will take four hours. This will transform Barak Valley’s connectivity, similar to the current Guwahati-Jorhat link,” he stated. He added that further details about the project would be revealed during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for the Advantage Assam event.

Highlighting Meghalaya’s cooperation, CM Sarma mentioned that most of the work on the new route would be carried out in Meghalaya, with only the last 50 kilometres in Assam. “These demands were not from the people of Barak, we thought about this project. While it may take five to seven years for full completion, we will receive good news within this year,” he assured.