Guwahati: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has approved projects worth ?747.72 crore for the construction and upgradation of 26 road and bridge works across Assam, in a move aimed at strengthening connectivity and accelerating economic activity in the state.

The sanctioned projects fall under two key central schemes – the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) and Setu Bandhan.

Of the total allocation, ?677.98 crore has been earmarked for 10 road development projects under the CRIF scheme, while ?129.74 crore has been cleared for bridge construction works under the Setu Bandhan programme, which focuses on eliminating critical gaps in connectivity by building and upgrading bridges.

Officials said the projects are expected to significantly improve regional connectivity, enhance transportation efficiency and reduce travel time across several districts. The improved road and bridge infrastructure is also likely to facilitate smoother movement of goods and passengers, providing a boost to trade and local economies.

According to the Ministry, the initiative is part of the Centre’s broader push to upgrade road networks in the Northeast and ensure better integration of remote and rural areas with major urban and commercial hubs. The enhanced connectivity is projected to support socio-economic growth by improving access to markets, healthcare, education and administrative services.

Gadkari noted that the approved projects would contribute substantially to Assam’s infrastructure expansion and help bridge connectivity gaps between interior regions and growth centres.The announcement comes amid a broader infrastructure drive in the state.

On February 12, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple development projects during his visit to Majuli district.

During the programme, the Chief Minister formally inaugurated the Majuli-Jorhat connecting highway, a key road link expected to ease travel to and from the river island. He also launched several infrastructure facilities, including the academic building and girls’ hostel of Majuli Cultural University, an integrated office complex housing the offices of the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and District Transport Officer, a Government Model Degree College, the Dakhinpat Satra Museum and the Jyoti Bishnu Cultural Complex.

The projects in Majuli, collectively valued at over ?2,200 crore, are aimed at strengthening public infrastructure and improving service delivery in the river island district, one of Assam’s most geographically unique regions.

With the latest approvals under CRIF and Setu Bandhan, both the Centre and the state government appear to be intensifying efforts to expand Assam’s road and bridge network, positioning infrastructure development as a key driver of economic growth and regional integration.