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Project detail:
The project will upgrade about 312.5 kilometers (km) of state highways and major district roads (MDRs) in Assam, including six road sections in the western, central, and southern regions. Reduced travel time and vehicle operating costs, and the operation of public transport services, will improve the mobility and accessibility of people in the less developed areas of Assam; and provide a vital link to markets, jobs, social services, and education and health facilities. Improved connectivity from the Assam hinterland to SASEC corridors is expected to spur growth in the entire state. The project will also strengthen the institutional capacity of the Public Works (Roads) Department in climate and disaster resilience, road asset management, and safeguards; and conduct road safety improvement works and a road safety awareness program.
The Government of Assam (GOA) targets building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all in the Assam Vision 2030 released in 2016. The GOA's Assam Vision 2030 has strategic architecture on (i) implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a single synergized initiative; (ii) technology, innovation, knowledge management, and management of change; and (iii) mobilization and utilization of resources. It emphasizes transport connectivity as a strategy to double the industry's share in employment and the net SDP by 2030.
In 2021, the GOA launched Asom Mala, a flagship road improvement program to enhance the quality and service of state highway and MDR networks and fill critical infrastructure gaps through effective interventions like the development of alternative corridors, feeder routes, and roads near international borders. The Asom Mala program has identified 31 priority sections of state highways and MDRs, with a total length of 1,296 km, for improvement. The program is funded by the state budget and external financing, including this project. The proposed project aligns with ADB's country partnership strategy for India, 2018-2022, which aims to boost economic competitiveness, create more and better jobs, provide inclusive access to infrastructure networks and services, address climate change and increase climate resilience, and build greater institutional capacities. The project contributes to six operational priorities of ADB's Strategy 2030.
Note: please download project document attached to this project for more information.
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