Jatinga-Harangajao Road Section Likely to Open Before Puja

 Haflong, August 25: The long-awaited Jatinga-Harangajao section of the Silchar-Saurashtra East-West Corridor is nearing completion, with National Highways authorities aiming to make the important stretch operational before the Durga Puja festivities.

The approximately 25-km section of NH-27 has remained a major bottleneck due to its difficult hilly terrain, landslide-prone areas and construction challenges. Work is now progressing rapidly, with most of the major construction activities nearing completion.

According to National Highways authorities, two lanes of a newly constructed elevated corridor, covering around one kilometre, were opened to traffic on Monday. The remaining two lanes are targeted to be opened by September 15.

Several elevated structures have been constructed along the Jatinga-Harangajao stretch to overcome difficult slopes, unstable soil and landslide-prone locations. Five elevated corridors have reportedly been constructed in the section.

The remaining works mainly include approach roads, drainage, safety measures, road furniture and other allied works. The construction agency, Dineshchandra R. Agrawal Infracon Pvt. Ltd., is also working to complete the key portions within the targeted timeframe.

The completion of the Jatinga-Harangajao section is expected to significantly improve road connectivity between Silchar, Haflong and other parts of the country. It is also likely to reduce travel difficulties caused by landslides and traffic disruptions during the monsoon.

The progress of the project has also been closely monitored at the state government level, with Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma stressing the need for early completion of the long-pending stretch.

Once fully operational, the section is expected to improve the movement of passenger and goods vehicles and provide a major boost to connectivity and economic activity in Dima Hasao and the Barak Valley.

The project is being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The larger road project, covering the Nriambanglo-Jatinga Junction-Harangajao stretch, extends for about 49.23 km and involves an estimated investment of around Rs 1,674 crore.