The Assam government has inaugurated road infrastructure projects worth ₹33 crore in the Manas Legislative Assembly Constituency of Baksa district. The formal launch was led by the local Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and constituency guardian, Phanidhar Talukdar, in the presence of party leaders and local stakeholders. The inaugurated projects encompass six vital paved roads under the State-Owned Priority Development Grant (SOPD-G) scheme. Among these, the Salbari–Bhuyapara road stands out due to its strategic importance as a gateway to the Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity and eco-tourism potential.
The development of this road is expected to significantly boost tourist inflow and regional development, aligning with the state’s vision of sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. Reflecting on the progress, MLA Talukdar expressed pride in the region’s development, stating, “Today marks a significant step forward for both Old Bhawanipur and the current Manas constituency. We have officially launched construction work of road projects totaling ₹33 crore under the SOPD-G scheme.” This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to infrastructural development in underserved areas, aiming to bridge connectivity gaps and foster inclusive growth.
The foundation stone laying ceremony also highlighted the completion of two key road projects—Saudarbhitha to Bhuyapara and Bhawanipur via Saudarbhitha to Manas—valued at ₹100 crore, fulfilling a pledge made during the 2021 by-election campaign. These completed projects have already enhanced accessibility and economic opportunities in the region. The recent inauguration is part of a broader infrastructural agenda aimed at transforming Assam’s connectivity landscape. In February 2024, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for multiple road upgradation projects worth over ₹3,400 crore under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Corridor Connectivity initiative. These projects include the upgradation of 43 roads and 38 bridges, enhancing connectivity to Itanagar and boosting the overall economic development of the region .
The government’s focus on infrastructure development is also reflected in the recent approval of projects worth ₹3,295.76 crore to develop lesser-known tourism sites across 23 states, including eco-tourism hubs in Assam. This initiative aims to ease pressure on popular destinations, promote balanced tourist distribution, and sustain growth in the sector .As Assam continues to invest in its infrastructure, the Manas constituency’s development serves as a model for integrating connectivity improvements with environmental sustainability and tourism promotion. The successful implementation of these projects is expected to enhance the region’s economic prospects, improve quality of life for residents, and contribute to the state’s broader development goals.
