Assam CM Sarma: Ministry of Defence to fund 20 per cent of Numaligarh-Gohpur underwater tunnel project
Guwahati, 4th November: Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has unveiled a significant development in the infrastructure sector.
He revealed that the Ministry of Defence will provide funding for 20% of the ambitious Numaligarh-Gohpur underwater tunnel project.
During a press conference, CM Sarma stated, “In this project, 20% of the funding will be supported by the Ministry of Defence, while the remaining portion will be financed by the National Highway Authority of India or the Indian government.”
Furthermore, Chief Minister Sarma emphasized the project’s strategic importance, noting that it will serve as a crucial route for defense purposes and enhance cost-effectiveness, justifying the funding ratio agreement.
This visionary project was initially conceived by CM Sarma in June, where he drew inspiration from the Atal tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir and envisioned an underwater tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River, accommodating both railways and vehicles.
He added, “We decided it will be located between Numaligarh and Gohpur, enabling seamless transportation for both rail and road vehicles. The tender for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is scheduled to open on July 4. With divine blessings, I aim to commence tunnel construction during my tenure as Chief Minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given his approval, and this project will bring the North and South banks of the Brahmaputra River closer together.”
This groundbreaking underwater tunnel project, a first of its kind, is set to connect Numaligarh and Gohpur at a cost of Rs 6,000 crore.
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