The four-lane construction of National Highway 37 (NH-37) between Jhanji and Demow in Assam’s Sivasagar district, taken up by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) over a decade ago, remains incomplete. 

Key details

• The project began 11–12 years ago to improve connectivity between Jhanji and Demow in Upper Assam but remains far from completion.
• Although land acquisition and compensation have been completed, over half the work—especially between Teok and Gaurisagar—is still pending.
• The unfinished road, dotted with potholes and unmarked diversions, has led to numerous fatal and non-fatal accidents.
• Despite new tenders for 2024-25, there has been no significant progress, drawing sharp criticism from local groups.

About NH-37 

• NH-37 is a lifeline for Upper Assam, connecting economic hubs and enabling regional mobility.
• The delay exposes broader governance issues in highway development — weak monitoring, contractor inefficiency, and poor accountability.
• It highlights the urgent need for timely completion, safety compliance, and transparent project oversight under national road programmes like Bharatmala.
  

Prelims Question

With reference to the four-laning of National Highway 37 in Assam, consider the following statements:

1. The Jhanji–Demow section of NH-37 has been fully completed and opened to traffic.
   
2. The project is being implemented by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
   
3. Land acquisition and compensation for the project have been completed.
   

Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. None

Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

One-line wrap:
The incomplete Jhanji–Demow NH-37 project stands as a reminder that development without delivery can turn lifelines into danger zones.

SOURCE