Assam Minister Kaushik Rai announced that the long-delayed East–West Corridor stretch between Harangajao and Jatinga is targeted for completion by January 31, 2026, aiming to finally unlock one of the toughest road links in the Northeast.

The East–West Corridor, part of the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) under the National Highways Authority of India, is designed to connect Silchar in Assam with Saurashtra in Gujarat, significantly boosting national integration and trade. The 49-km stretch between Nerim Bungalow and Harangajao is nearly complete, while the remaining 23-km Harangajao–Jatinga segment is now entering the final phase of construction.

During a high-level inspection with NHIDCL, NHAI and district administration officials, the Minister informed that 85% of the work is already complete. The remaining bottlenecks include:

• Four pillars yet to be built at Doloichung due to incomplete land acquisition
• Local protests against land takeover
• Challenging hill terrain slowing down foundation work

Officials claim the pending pillars can be completed within a month, though the terrain makes this timeline optimistic.

The project had earlier faced years of delays due to forest clearance issues and administrative inaction. The current government has accelerated work, with a dedicated Barak Valley Development Department created to fast-track regional infrastructure.

Significance of the Project

Once completed, this corridor will:

• Improve connectivity to the Northeast
• Boost trade, tourism, and disaster response
• Reduce travel time between Silchar and major economic hubs
• Strengthen India’s strategic mobility in the region

Exam Hook –Prelims Practice Question

The East–West Corridor is being developed under which national programme?
→ National Highways Development Project (NHDP).