Guwahati, Oct 20: Gaurav Gogoi, president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), has raised serious concerns regarding significant delays, poor quality, and alleged irregularities in the Jorhat–Dibrugarh National Highway (NH-37) project. In a letter addressed to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, dated Monday, Gogoi pointed out that multiple sections of the highway-including areas in Dikhow, Gaurisagar, Sivasagar, Moran, and Dibrugarh-remain incomplete despite repeated assurances from the government that the project would be completed by December 31, 2025.
Gogoi’s letter emphasized the hardships faced by daily commuters, transporters, and local residents due to large portions of the highway being poorly maintained and incomplete. He noted that several stretches have deteriorated to hazardous conditions, jeopardizing public safety and affecting regional connectivity in upper Assam.
The APCC leader also highlighted the recent arrest of Riten Kumar Singh, the Executive Director and Regional Officer of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) in Guwahati, by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Singh was allegedly caught accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh from a private contractor in exchange for favorable project extensions and completion certificates, including for the important four-laning of NH-37 from Demow to Moran Bypass.
Gogoi stated that the CBI’s subsequent recovery of Rs 2.62 crore in cash and unaccounted assets across various cities raises serious concerns about corruption compromising the integrity of NHIDCL’s regional operations. He argued that this corruption has likely contributed to the slow progress, poor quality, and management issues evident along NH-37.
In his letter, Gogoi urged the Ministry to conduct a comprehensive review of the highway project, particularly focusing on the problematic stretches. He called for more stringent monitoring to ensure transparency and accountability and to guarantee that the project is completed on time. Emphasizing the importance of restoring public confidence, he remarked, “The Jorhat–Dibrugarh highway is a lifeline for Upper Assam’s economy and daily life. I request your personal intervention to ensure public resources are protected, timelines are honored, and the project reflects the standards of integrity and efficiency our citizens deserve.”
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/assam-congress-chief-writes-to-gadkari-over-jorhatdibrugarh-nh-37-delays-corruption-1595144
Category: Assam,Featured
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Publish Date: 2025-10-20 18:32:00
