The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has awarded a Rs 57.30 billion contract for the long-awaited 121-km Guwahati Ring Road in Assam. Infracon which secured the contract, stated that the project aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Guwahati and improve transport connectivity across Assam and neighbouring states. The contract was awarded under the DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Transfer) model, with a 30-year concession period that includes four years for construction. NHAI plans to begin construction after the 2025 monsoon season. The project will be carried out in three phases. The first phase involves the development of a 55.54-kilometre greenfield corridor between Baihata Chariali and Sonapur. The second phase will focus on widening a 7.76-kilometre stretch of National Highway 27 (NH-27). The third phase will upgrade 58 kilometers of NH-27, including the construction of a 3-kilometre bridge over the Brahmaputra River. By diverting freight and interstate traffic away from Guwahati's congested roads, the project is expected to significantly improve urban mobility and ease pressure on the city’s transportation infrastructure. Officials mentioned that the Guwahati Ring Road would play a crucial role in alleviating traffic congestion, reducing air and noise pollution, and strengthening the logistics network across the Northeast. They highlighted that the project aligns with the Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated infrastructure development and improved multimodal connectivity. Authorities view the initiative not only as a road project but also as a catalyst for economic transformation in the region. An NHAI spokesperson referred to the project as a regional transformation initiative, adding that it would unlock new trade corridors and stimulate economic growth in Assam and the broader Northeast. The official also reaffirmed NHAI’s commitment to high-quality construction and sustainable development, assuring that the project would be completed on time. News source: Northeast Now