Minister Krishnendu Paul Reviews Progress of Damaged Haflong–Lumding Highway Stretch

 Haflong, June 13:

Dima Hasao district's Guardian Minister, Krishnendu Paul, on Friday reviewed the present condition and progress of reconstruction work on the 3.4-km damaged stretch of the Haflong–Lumding National Highway at Gerem area under Nirimbanglo while returning to Guwahati from Haflong. The crucial road section had suffered extensive damage during the devastating natural calamity of 2022, severely disrupting connectivity for a prolonged period.

During the visit, he was accompanied by ADC Shhaurya Sharrma. The Minister also took stock of the progress of the proposed alternative road project. Officials informed him that the status report for a 1.3-km portion of the alternative route has already been prepared and the tendering process has commenced. The submission and opening of tenders are scheduled for June 18.

The Minister was further briefed that necessary administrative procedures are being expedited to ensure the early implementation of the project. Stressing the need for speedy execution, Krishnendu Paul directed the concerned departments to accelerate the works and ensure a permanent solution in the interest of the public.

Meanwhile, the Minister has convened an important review meeting in Silchar on June 17 to discuss the reconstruction of the damaged highway stretch and the construction of the alternative road. Representatives of the Dima Hasao district administration have been invited to attend the meeting.

According to sources,  officials from the District Administration, concerned departments from NCHAC and NHAI are also expected to be present, and detailed discussions on various aspects of the project are likely to take place.

It may be mentioned that several stretches of the Haflong–Lumding Highway were badly damaged following the 2022 natural disaster, severely affecting connectivity between Dima Hasao district, the Barak Valley and other parts of the state. In this backdrop, the state government has accorded priority to the permanent restoration of the damaged stretches  and the development of safe alternative communication routes.