5 days ago
Jorhat-Jhanji 4-lane highway achieves 97% progress: DC Shivani
Dibrugarh: The long-awaited four-lane NH-37 stretch between Jorhat and Jhanji is finally approaching completion, with Jorhat DC Jay Shivani announcing that the project has achieved 97% physical progress during a comprehensive inspection on Tuesday.
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The DC, accompanied by officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), conducted a thorough review of the construction work that has been ongoing for nearly a decade. The inspection comes as the project enters its final phase, bringing hope to commuters who have endured years of construction delays and traffic disruptions.
"The project is on the last stage of construction and has achieved a physical progress of 97%," said DC Jay Shivani during the inspection.
However, he emphasised the need for acceleration in critical areas, directing NHIDCL officials to expedite work on two crucial components — the Bhogdoi river bridge and the Jhanji river bridge.
The ambitious infrastructure project spans 37.8 km, with 36.8 km falling within Jorhat district and one km extending into neighbouring Sivasagar district. The massive undertaking represents a total investment of Rs 738.15 crore and includes the construction of a modern toll plaza to manage traffic flow and revenue collection.
The construction work has been divided among three contractors across four different packages. M/s Sadguru Engineers holds responsibility for constructing 10 km of the highway alongside the toll plaza infrastructure. M/s Binni Construction is managing a 14-km stretch, while M/s MP Agarwala is handling the remaining 13.8 km of the project.
The highway project has faced significant challenges since its inception, with multiple cost and time overruns plaguing the construction timeline.
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Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari had laid the foundation stone for the Jorhat-Jhanji four-lane section on Feb 27, 2016, marking the beginning of what was expected to be a transformative infrastructure development for the region.
However, nine years have passed since construction began, far exceeding the original timeline and highlighting the complex nature of large-scale highway projects in the region.
The delays have been attributed to various factors, including land acquisition, weather disruptions, logistical challenges and contractor-related hurdles, common to infrastructure projects in Assam.
The completion of the highway stretch is expected to significantly improve connectivity in the upper Assam region, facilitating smoother transportation of goods and passengers, while reducing travel time. The four-lane configuration will accommodate increased traffic volume and enhance road safety standards along the crucial corridor.
