Delays make people face harrowing experiences: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

4-laning of Numaligarh-Dibrugarh stretch

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari admitted that the delays in the completion of the four-lane works on NH-37 from Numaligarh Bypass to Dibrugarh have made people facing a harrowing experience. He, however, evaded a clear-cut reply when the media asked him when the construction work on this stretch of the NH-37 would be completed.

The Union Minister said that due to various reasons like delay in land clearances, two agencies—the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL)—being involved in such projects, contractors delaying works, foreclosure of deals with contractors, etc., have led to the delay in the execution of projects spanning around 100 km on NH-37. He said that the Union Ministry sanctioned an additional amount of Rs 44 crore for the maintenance of this stretch of the national highway.

Gadkari further said, “After the completion of the four-lane project from Nagaon to Dibrugarh, we will make this stretch an express highway”.

Gadkari admitted a shortage of amenities at the toll gates. When asked about the lack of ladies’ toilets, rooms for breastfeeding, etc., he directed the officials present to set up all such amenities properly. He also requested that the state government make land for this purpose available.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma requested Gadkari as many as eight times for the early completion of the Numaligarh Bypass-Dibrugarh stretch of the national highway. Gadkari did assure the Chief Minister that he would look into the matter.

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