Centre sanctions 728 roads, 62 bridges worth Rs 1800 crore for Assam: Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday, February 23, announced a massive infrastructure and agriculture push for Assam, sanctioning 728 roads worth over Rs 1,800 crore and 62 bridges, while also clearing additional support for farmers under the Price Support Scheme (PSS). The announcements, made at a public event in the state, underline what he described as a coordinated effort between the Centre and the Assam government to accelerate development under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Announcing that a “safe, developed and Aatmanirbhar Bharat” is being built under the Assam Chief Minister’s leadership, Chouhan said the Government of India, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is taking “all possible steps” for Assam’s progress, development and public welfare.

At the centre of the announcement was the sanctioning of 728 roads across the state at a cost exceeding Rs 1,800 crore. In addition, 62 bridges have also been approved, a move expected to significantly enhance connectivity in rural and semi-urban areas.

The infrastructure package is seen as a major step toward improving last-mile connectivity, boosting trade, easing transportation challenges and strengthening access to essential services across districts.

In a significant relief to the farming community, Chouhan confirmed that the Centre has approved procurement of produce under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), following a request from the state government. He also congratulated the Assam government for providing an additional Rs 500 per quintal over and above the Minimum Support Price (MSP), calling it a farmer-centric decision.

“The State Government had requested that the produce be procured by the Centre under PSS. This too has been approved,” Chouhan said, signalling stronger Centre–state coordination in ensuring income security for farmers.

He further revealed that a demand had been raised locally for power tillers to strengthen mechanisation in agriculture. Additional funds have now been sanctioned to meet this demand, aimed at improving productivity and reducing manual labour dependency in the agrarian sector.

Chouhan emphasised that the development push in Assam aligns with the broader vision of building an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” — a self-reliant India — through infrastructure expansion, farmer welfare, and rural empowerment.

He credited the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for driving growth-oriented policies in the state, asserting that the synergy between Dispur and New Delhi is translating into tangible projects on the ground.