Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Tuesday that Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari had informed him about measures being taken to address the slow progress of the Jorhat-Dibrugarh highway project. Following concerns raised by the state government, Gadkari conveyed that 11 contractors had been enlisted to expedite the work.

In his communication with Sarma, Gadkari mentioned that after receiving a report from his office regarding the restoration and maintenance of the 127-km stretch, the matter was thoroughly reviewed. He explained that delays in the Jorhat-Dibrugarh section were attributed to various factors, including initial setbacks in land acquisition, a significant shortage of essential raw materials like silt and sand, and the underperformance of certain contractors. Gadkari also noted that the stretch from Numaligarh to Jorhat had been completed.

Gadkari further stated in his letter that recent discussions had led to the decision to divide the Jorhat-Dibrugarh section into smaller segments to ensure more efficient execution. Work on these segments was now progressing under the supervision of 11 contractors. 

The project includes constructing nine vehicular underpasses, six pedestrian underpasses, and one flyover, requiring considerable amounts of sand, earth, and boulders.