The Assam government has unveiled plans to build its first expressway, a ₹25,000-crorenproject aimed at enhancing connectivity between Guwahati and Silchar. The expressway will pass through Umiam (Barapani) in Meghalaya, reducing travel time between the two cities to just four hours.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarm described the project as a major milestone for the state’s infrastructure. ” This expressway will significantly enhance connectivity between the Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys, ensuring same-day travel between Guwahati and Silchar,” he told Times Property.
The planned route through Umiam, a well-known tourist spot, is expected to enhance trade and tourism between Assam and Meghalaya. The four-lane road will also improve industrial access to Panchgram, a significant hub home to a paper mill and other industries.
The expressway is part of a broader infrastructure development drive, with projects worth ₹1 lakh croreset to be announced at the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit in Guwahati.
Rail connectivity in Assam is receiving a major push, with two new intercity trains introduced to connect Guwahati with Silchar and Agartala. The railway network has expanded by 1,824 km since 2014, and new Gati Shakti cargo terminals are being developed to boost freight movement.
Additionally, the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers will be utilised for cargo and passenger transport, creating new trade opportunities and accelerating economic growth.
With these ambitious infrastructure projects, Assam is set to become a key economic and transportation hub in Northeast India.
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