No Flyover in Silchar if Opposition Continues: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

During his two day visit to Barak Valley, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday (December 6) said that the proposed flyover in Silchar may not go ahead because of strong opposition from local traders associations. While speaking to the media at Borjalenga, the Chief Minister said that he will not push the project if the people do not want it.

Chief Minister Sarma is on a two day tour of Barak Valley and earlier in the day he distributed financial assistance to 20,099 beneficiaries under the Mahila Udyamita Scheme at Dholai. After the event, he addressed the media and responded to several questions, including the ongoing debate over the Silchar flyover that has drawn objections from traders’ bodies.

Speaking about the issue, the Chief Minister said, “If people oppose it, the project won’t move forward. But if there is strong public support, it will. The flyover was proposed because people demanded it, and if that demand continues, we will go ahead with it.”

He added that he is neutral about the matter and that everything depends on public opinion. He further said, “I am ready, the contractor is ready, the money is ready. If people say yes we can start the work from tomorrow. But I will not fight with people.” He urged those who support the flyover to create a positive atmosphere and convince others if they want the project to move ahead. He also said he does not wish to enter into any controversy.

The opposition to the project has mainly come from traders in Silchar’s main commercial areas. They say the construction will damage the 125 year old Central Road market and other old business zones. Many traders are worried that pillars and road widening will block their shop entrances, affect customer footfall and even lead to loss of shops in narrow stretches. They fear this will cause major business losses and unemployment for shop owners and workers.

The Chief Minister’s latest remarks indicate that the future of the flyover now depends entirely on public support. If the opposition remains strong, the project may be put on hold. If support grows, the government may move forward with construction.

The proposed project is a 3.462 km elevated corridor from Capital Point to Rangirkhari Point. It passes through Silchar’s busiest commercial roads. The plan includes erecting pillars and widening the road with service lanes on both sides. Traders have also suggested alternative routes or a full single pillar design to reduce the impact on businesses.