Strengthen road transport, Gogoi urges Gadkari

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday urged Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari to improve and strengthen road transport and inland water connectivity in the state.

In a memorandum submitted to the Union Minister, who is on a two-day visit to Assam, Gogoi urged him for development of road transport and inland water connectivity as this was critical for growth and development of Assam as well as the entire North East.

"Road and inland water transport are the two most important mediums of mass transportation for the common man in Assam. Road transport continues to be the most economically viable mode for transportation of goods and passengers. At the same time, inland water transport is a lifeline for connectivity for the rural population of the state," he said.

"Under the 'Act East Policy', the North East is envisaged as India's land bridge to the South-East and East Asian nations. Development of road infrastructure of the North East connecting the region with Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Bhutan is thus critical," he added.

It is imperative that the infrastructure in the North-East is created and upgraded to the same standard as that of the South-East Asian nations.

Gogoi hoped that the visit of Gadkari would provide the necessary impetus for completion of the many ongoing national highway, roads and inland water transport schemes.Gogoi urged Gadkari for his urgent intervention and assistance for strengthening and upgradation of the National Highways and roads to extend their reach. The Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to entrust the construction work of the newly declared NHs to the appropriate agencies.