MDoNER approves Rs 45.31 crore road linking Mangaldoi to Mazikuchi
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) has officially approved a significant infrastructure project for Assam, sanctioning ₹45.31 crore for the construction of a key road connecting Mangaldoi to Mazikuchi. This 15 km project, a critical component of the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), is poised to fundamentally reshape the socioeconomic landscape of the Darrang and Udalguri districts. By establishing a direct link between the district headquarters of Mangaldoi and the subdivision headquarters of Bhergaon, this initiative promises to be a catalyst for sustainable and equitable growth, aligning with the broader vision of creating a resilient and well-integrated region.
The economic implications of this new artery are substantial. The project is specifically designed to reduce the travel distance between Mangaldoi and Bhergaon by approximately 7.2 kilometers. For local commerce, this reduction is a boon. It will significantly cut down on travel time and fuel consumption for commuters and commercial transport alike. This efficiency gain not only lowers operational costs for businesses but also contributes to the overarching goal of a zero-net-carbon economy by reducing vehicular emissions. Farmers will find it easier and more cost-effective to transport their produce to larger markets, which could lead to better prices and improved livelihoods. This investment in a more robust and efficient transport network is a clear signal of the government’s commitment to boosting local economies and bridging the economic divide between rural and urban areas.
Beyond its economic benefits, the road project is a powerful instrument for social development. The new route will dramatically improve accessibility to seven educational institutions, including the prominent Deomornoi College. This enhanced connectivity is especially crucial for students, who often face significant travel challenges, particularly during the monsoon season. By making education more accessible and less time-consuming, the project empowers communities and helps to foster a more gender-neutral society where young women and girls have equal opportunities to pursue their education. Furthermore, the road will provide more reliable access to healthcare facilities and essential government services, which is a cornerstone of building equitable cities and regions.
The Mangoldoi–Mazikuchi road also serves a vital cultural and tourism purpose. The project will provide better connectivity to historically significant sites such as the Pathurighat Krishak Shahid Memorial, Khotora Satra, and the historical Lakhimpur and Ramgaon Pukhuri sites. Pathurighat, often referred to as Assam’s Jallianwala Bagh, holds deep historical significance as the site of a peasant uprising against colonial rule. Improving access to such heritage sites not only preserves cultural memory but also creates opportunities for local tourism, which in turn generates employment and income for the surrounding communities.
This project, fully funded by the central government, is being meticulously monitored by officials from MDoNER in close collaboration with the state government. It stands as a testament to a strategic, focused approach to infrastructure development in the Northeast, one that seeks to fill critical gaps and lay the foundation for a prosperous and environmentally conscious future. This initiative is a critical step towards creating a more inclusive and interconnected Assam, where every community has the infrastructure it needs to thrive.
