Jorhat – Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has called on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to reconsider the proposed elevated flyover on AT Road in Jorhat, citing widespread concerns from residents and local businesses.
In a letter dated November 21, Gogoi expressed alarm over the potential displacement and economic disruption the flyover could cause to the area’s vibrant commercial hub. The project, planned to connect Baruah Chariali and Bhogdoi Bridge, has drawn opposition from shopkeepers and community members who fear significant impacts on their livelihoods.
“The specific stretch of AT Road where the flyover is proposed encompasses a traditional wholesale and retail market that has long been an essential economic hub,” Gogoi wrote, highlighting the flyover’s threat to small businesses that rely on their proximity to the bustling market.
The Congress Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha also raised concerns about logistical challenges posed by the project, noting that the road beneath the proposed flyover houses several banks, offices, and places of worship. “Most of these vital establishments would remain under the shadow of the flyover, potentially leading to severe traffic congestion and operational hurdles for daily commuters,” the letter stated.
Gogoi criticised the state government for ignoring repeated protests by Jorhat residents and local stakeholders. Referring to similar issues raised during the Digholi Pukhuri redevelopment, he remarked, “The repeated protests by the people of Jorhat regarding this flyover have been completely disregarded.”
This is Gogoi’s second appeal to Chief Minister Sarma on the matter, following a prior communication in September 2024. His latest plea urged a pause on the project and a reassessment of its feasibility, proposing a balanced approach that prioritises infrastructure development without sidelining community interests.
The flyover proposal is part of Assam’s broader infrastructure expansion plans, aimed at improving connectivity and easing traffic in urban areas. However, critics argue that the project’s location in Jorhat risks undermining the area’s economic and cultural fabric.
As tensions simmer, local residents and business owners await a response from the government, hoping for a resolution that respects their concerns while addressing the city’s development needs.
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