Guwahati, July 3 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said that the state government’s flagship Asom Mala scheme is transforming road connectivity in remote regions by constructing thousands of kilometres of roads, making travel easier and accelerating development in rural areas.

Sharing a video on social media, the Chief Minister said the initiative is improving the lives of people living in interior villages by ensuring better access to markets, healthcare facilities, schools and government services.

“Under the Asom Mala scheme, our government is constructing thousands of kilometres of roads in remote areas, so that people’s journeys become easier and the journey of development reaches every village,” Sarma said.

Referring to a road project leading to Balikuchi, the Chief Minister said the improved connectivity has significantly reduced travel time and eased daily commuting for local residents.

The video featured commuters and local people describing how the upgraded road has made transportation faster and more convenient compared to earlier conditions.

The Asom Mala scheme was launched by the Assam government to strengthen rural road infrastructure by constructing and upgrading roads across the state, particularly in underserved and geographically challenging areas. The programme aims to bridge connectivity gaps, improve all-weather access and support economic growth by linking villages with major roads and urban centres.

Officials said the initiative complements the Centre’s rural road programmes while addressing connectivity needs specific to Assam’s terrain, including flood-prone and remote regions. Better road infrastructure is expected to facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, improve access to educational and healthcare institutions and promote local trade and tourism.

The state government has repeatedly maintained that improved road connectivity is central to its strategy for balanced regional development and inclusive growth. Several road projects under the Asom Mala scheme are at different stages of execution across districts, with the objective of enhancing transportation networks and reducing travel time for rural populations.

The government has also stated that investments in road infrastructure will improve last-mile connectivity, strengthen disaster response capabilities and create new opportunities for economic activities in previously inaccessible areas.

–IANS

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