Underwater Tunnel in Brahmaputra: Assam CM Meets Minister Gadkari

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to discuss the commencement of the ambitious underwater tunnel project in the Brahmaputra River. The proposed tunnel will connect Gohpur and Numaligarh, linking the north and south banks of the Brahmaputra. Sarma acknowledged the central government’s robust support for the project, expressing gratitude for its assistance. Sharing updates on social media platform X, Sarma said, "Happy to share! Just concluded an excellent meeting with Hon'ble Union Minister Shri @nitin_gadkari Ji. I am truly impressed by the unwavering support from @MORTHIndia in expediting priority infrastructure projects in Assam, ensuring they are completed on time." He announced that construction of the underwater tunnel would begin shortly, along with two other significant projects—the Guwahati Ring Road and the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor. Discussions also covered the progress of the national highway connecting Jorhat and Dibrugarh and the double laning of the Baihata Chariali to Mission Chariali highway. Highlighting the transformative potential of these initiatives, Sarma said, "Together, we are committed to transforming Assam's infrastructure and unlocking its immense potential." The underwater tunnel, estimated to cost Rs 60 billion, will support both rail and vehicular traffic, enhancing connectivity between the two banks of the river. Reflecting on the project’s approval, Sarma said, "Once, I dreamt of making such an underwater tunnel in Assam, but I doubted if it was possible. Now, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's green signal, it will become a reality." (ET)