Assam has been sanctioned ₹747.72 crore by the central government for infrastructure development, including ₹617.98 crore for 10 road projects and ₹129.74 crore for 16 bridge projects under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) schemes. The announcement was made by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on February 14.
The funding is expected to strengthen road connectivity across the state, with Guwahati, Assam’s commercial and transport hub, likely to see indirect and direct benefits from the upgraded infrastructure network.
The Centre has approved ₹747.72 crore for Assam under the CRIF schemes, including ₹617.98 crore for 10 road projects and ₹129.74 crore for 16 bridge projects. The funding aims to improve connectivity, with Guwahati expected to benefit as a key transport hub.
What Has Been Approved
According to the Union Minister’s statement on X:
- ₹617.98 crore has been approved for 10 road development projects under the CRIF Scheme.
- ₹129.74 crore has been sanctioned for 16 bridge projects under the CRIF Setu Bandhan Scheme.
These projects form part of a broader national initiative to strengthen highways and bridge infrastructure, particularly in strategically important regions.
What This Means for Guwahati
While the sanctioned projects span different parts of Assam, Guwahati is likely to benefit significantly due to its central role in the state’s transport network.
As the primary gateway to Northeast India, Guwahati connects multiple national highways and inter-district corridors. Improved roads and bridges in the surrounding districts can:
- Reduce congestion on entry and exit routes to the city
- Improve freight movement to and from Guwahati markets
- Strengthen connectivity to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
- Support smoother transit toward North Guwahati, Sonapur and Khanapara
Infrastructure upgrades in feeder routes can also ease pressure on busy stretches such as GS Road and AT Road.
Economic and Trade Impact
Guwahati functions as Assam’s commercial centre, with wholesale markets, logistics hubs and transport terminals.
Enhanced road and bridge connectivity is expected to:
- Cut travel time for goods transport
- Lower logistics costs
- Improve supply chain reliability
- Facilitate faster inter-state trade
These improvements may directly impact trade corridors linking Guwahati to upper Assam and neighbouring states.
About the CRIF and Setu Bandhan Schemes
The Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) supports road development projects across states.
The CRIF Setu Bandhan Scheme specifically focuses on the construction and strengthening of bridges, especially in areas requiring improved connectivity.
Both schemes aim to ensure long-term infrastructure resilience and strategic connectivity.
What Happens Next?
Detailed project execution timelines, specific road stretches and bridge locations are expected to be announced by state authorities.
Once implementation begins, Guwahati commuters and businesses may experience phased improvements in connectivity and traffic flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding has Assam received for road and bridge projects?
Assam has been sanctioned ₹747.72 crore, including ₹617.98 crore for roads and ₹129.74 crore for bridges.
How will Guwahati benefit from this funding?
As Assam’s transport hub, Guwahati is likely to benefit through improved connectivity, reduced congestion and smoother movement of goods and people.
