The demand for a four‑lane national highway in central Assam intensified on Saturday, February 28, 2026, as the Four‑Lane National Highway Construction Demand Committee relaunched its agitation calling for immediate construction of a four‑lane road linking Kaliabor Tiniali and Numaligarh via Kuwaritol, Hatbor and Jakhalabandha. The committee said the expanded highway is essential to ease mounting traffic, improve road safety and boost the region’s economic growth.
Protesters organised a renewed mobilisation along the proposed route and enforced a shutdown in Jakhalabandha town, bringing routine activities to a halt. Committee members staged a silent demonstration, tying black cloths over their mouths to symbolise what they described as the “silencing” of public demands over the long‑pending project.
According to the organisers, the existing road has seen a sharp rise in vehicular movement in recent years, placing pressure on commuters, traders and transporters and increasing the risk of accidents. They argued that upgrading the corridor to four lanes would reduce congestion, shorten journey times and support local commerce.
The committee framed the agitation as both a development and safety demand, urging authorities to begin formal construction work without further delay. No government response was reported at the protest site on Saturday.
In a pointed political warning, the committee announced that failure to initiate the Kaliabor‑Numaligarh four‑lane project would carry electoral consequences. It cautioned that the local MLA of Kaliabor would “face the consequences” in the 2026 Assembly elections if the demand remains unaddressed.
The renewed agitation underscores growing local frustration over infrastructure delays in central Assam and signals that residents and stakeholders are preparing to press the issue through protests and at the ballot box if progress is not forthcoming.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/video/assam-four-lane-highway-demand-sparks-shutdown-in-jakhalabandha-locals-begin-black-cloth-protest-1352841-2026-02-28?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-02-28 13:21:00
