Silchar, Nov 22: In a significant development for Barak Valley’s infrastructure, Barak Valley Development Minister Kaushik Rai announced that the long-awaited East–West Corridor will be accessible to the public by January 2026. This announcement followed an extensive inspection of over 60 kilometers of the corridor, spanning from Balacherra to Mahur, with Rajya Sabha MP Kanad Purkayastha and officials from NHIDCL accompanying him.
Rai noted that substantial progress has been made, especially along the Jatinga–Harangajao segment, which is nearing completion. “Vehicles will be able to use the new two-lane alignment by January 2026, with final touches expected to take two to two-and-a-half months,” he stated. He also mentioned that while two-lane traffic will begin on the new route by January 31, 2026, the complete four-lane corridor is anticipated to be finished by April 2026, ushering in a “new phase of growth and improved connectivity for the region.”
The Minister reported that work on the Rs 1,674-crore corridor is advancing rapidly, with land acquisition issues reduced from five villages to only one. He expressed confidence that the remaining challenges would soon be resolved. The project has reached several key milestones, including important work between NERIM Bungalow and Harangajao, as well as nearing public readiness of the new alignment.
Reaffirming Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s project timeline, Rai emphasized that the construction is progressing “exactly as planned.” He took the opportunity to criticize the previous Congress-led government, claiming they delayed the project for 12 years. “They withheld environmental clearances from 2004 to 2016, keeping Barak Valley underdeveloped. Only after the BJP came to power did the corridor receive approval,” he asserted.
Describing the East–West Corridor as a transformative project for Barak Valley, Rai emphasized that it will greatly reduce travel time while enhancing connectivity and stimulating trade and economic activity throughout the region.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/barak-valleys-eastwest-corridor-to-open-by-jan-2026-4-lane-by-april-rai-1598845
Category: Assam,Featured
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Publish Date: 2025-11-22 19:09:00
