GUWAHATI, March 2 - Though the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) sanctioned a substantial amount to the State Public Works Department (PWD) for improvement of the Guwahati bypass, the progress of work remains very slow and it is unlikely that the work will be completed on time.
Official sources told The Assam Tribune that the NHAI�s sanctioned amount of Rs 71.98 crore for improvement of Guwahati bypass in the first week of December, 2015 and the project was scheduled to be completed in March this year. But the State PWD has not been able to spend the money on time and the works are way behind schedule.
NHAI sanctioned the amount for the project, which include construction of storm water drains from Lalmati to ISBT on Guwahati bypass for stopping the waterlogging problems of the area, construction of service roads, fixing of row pillars and boundary pillars, providing railing, Construction of crash barrier, cleaning of RCC drains and culverts, jungle clearance, etc.� Due to non-completion of work by PWD (NH), Assam, the condition of the 18-km bypass has deteriorated and if the implementation of the work is not expedited, the situation may become worse in the rainy reason.
The NHAI with the support of District Administration, Kamrup (M) has taken steps for eviction of encroachment since February 24 as well as cleaning of the entire stretch on their own for facelift of the bypass. The work is targeted to be completed within March 2017. The PWD (NH), Assam, has to complete their tasks before the onset of monsoon for the interest of road users.
The NHAI has also requested the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, for carrying out road safety audit in the completed stretches of National Highway including the Guwahati bypass for taking necessary measures for road safety.
After the opening of the new Brahmaputra Bridge, NHAI is eyeing to open the flyover at Amingaon (Hajo Junction) in April this year for uninterrupted flow of traffic at the busy junction. The NHAI will also construct eight flyovers at Bongaigaon, Pathsala, Simaluguri, Basistha Charali, Lokhra, Demow-Kathatoli, Raha, Borghat Chariali and one Railway overbridge at Jagiroad and the process for preparation of a detailed project report has started. These flyovers, on completion, are expected to ease traffic congestion to a great extent.
