Assam to invest over Rs 4,700 crore in climate-resilient rural bridges
Guwahati, July 2 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the state government is investing more than Rs 4,700 crore under the Assam Resilient Rural Bridges Programme (ARRBP) to strengthen rural connectivity and ensure year-round access across the state.
Sharing details of the initiative on social media, the Chief Minister said the programme is aimed at building climate-resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding floods and other extreme weather events while improving connectivity in rural areas.
“Assam is investing over Rs 4,700 crore in climate-resilient rural bridges, ensuring reliable year-round connectivity for our people,” Sarma said.
According to an infographic shared by the Chief Minister, infrastructure projects worth Rs 4,706.29 crore are being implemented under the programme. The government has planned the construction of 956 bridges across the state, out of which 816 bridges have already been allotted for execution.
So far, 35 bridges have been completed, while work on the remaining projects is progressing in phases.
The programme seeks to improve transportation links in remote and flood-prone regions, where seasonal disruptions often affect the movement of people, agricultural produce and essential services.
A senior official argued that the bridges will enhance access to schools, healthcare facilities, markets and government services, besides boosting economic activities in rural Assam.
The state government has identified infrastructure development as one of its key priorities, with major investments being made in roads, bridges, highways, airports and waterways over the past few years.
The Assam Resilient Rural Bridges Programme is also expected to support disaster preparedness by providing durable transport infrastructure in vulnerable regions that frequently witness flooding during the monsoon season.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader vision of creating modern and resilient infrastructure while accelerating economic growth and improving the quality of life for people living in rural areas.
–IANS
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