The Public Works Department (PWD) put forward four flagship schemes for the year 2022-23 in which an additional 3,000 KM of roads were to be built under the connectivity scheme.
The same schemes will now be continued for the year 2024, senior PWD officials said.
The Mukhya Mantrir Unnoto Pakipath Nirman Achoni proposed 1,260 KM of roads to be upgraded.
Under Mukhya Mantri Mathauri Pokikarn Achoni, 90 KM work was in progress. Similarly, 1,849 KM roads were under the Mukhya Mantrir Path Nabikaran Achoni.
It provides connectivity to eligible unconnected habitations or habitations connected with totally dilapidated existing roads (around 3000 KM).
The estimated cost for the Mukhya Mantrir Unnoto Pakipath Nirman Achoni is around ₹1,500 crore which will undertake the widening and strengthening of single lanes of Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC) wise.
Meanwhile, under the Mukhya Mantrir Pakipath Nirman Achoni, new all-weather roads will be constructed LAC-wise. However, the length and estimate of the scheme are yet to be ascertained.
While speaking to GPlus, a senior official from PWD said, "Under the banner of Assam Chief Minister, the state will allot funds for the up-gradation and widening of roads. There are few projects in progress and we plan to continue the same."
The official further added that apart from highways, around 1,000 KM of major roads connecting districts will be constructed using an amount of ₹2000 – ₹3000 crore.
The doubling of the width of those roads will be followed by nominal or almost nil land acquisition.
"However, the completion of the project will require another three years. Although, we are hoping to complete it prior to the 2026 elections," added the official.
All the projects under the schemes are still in the initial allotment process. The upgrade or construction process will only get a head start after the entire allotment process.
One similar project will cover all the small roads of 104 Municipal Boards and Urban Local Bodies. The total amount which will be allotted will be Rs 1000 crore.
Other small scheme projects include the Mukhyamantrir Nagariya Pakipath Nirman Achoni. This scheme will restore the existing roads and by-lanes. The expected completion will require around 2 years.
Among the aforementioned schemes, the department contemplates not proceeding with Mukhya Mantrir Mathauri Pokikarn Achoni in the upcoming year. The official confirmed that the project is on hold for the next year.
Assam PWD's decision to prolong ongoing projects into 2024 is under scrutiny by the public as the majority of the projects cast a shadow on timely completion.
While discussing the issue, the senior official said, "Most of the projects are on hold when the monsoon season arrives. Work cannot be continued under such conditions. As the development projects require proper execution, we hope the public understands."
Apart from road projects across the state, several projects will be initiated in the city of Guwahati.
However, the completion date remains a fear for the residents as daily commute through the construction area turns into a challenge. Though the optimism for the projects is high, timely completion will always remain a crucial factor.