Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday (March 31) laid the foundation stone for the state’s second ropeway project from Biswanath Ghat to Umtumuni river island. The project costs Rs 60 crore and is expected to be completed within 18 months. “In a year and six months, the people of Biswanath will avail the state’s second ropeway facility after Guwahati,” Sarma said.
This ropeway will be able to transport passengers in one direction in just three minutes, improving connectivity and tourism in the region.
Automatic driving testing station inaugurated
The chief minister also inaugurated an automatic driving testing station in Biswanath district, which cost Rs 17 crore. The station will conduct fitness tests of vehicles and trucks. Explaining its importance, Sarma said, “Every commercial vehicle must undergo fitness tests twice within eight years, while private vehicles have to undergo this test every 15 years. This station will help in these tests and information about the certificates will be available through the government’s Vahan portal.”
The facility will be able to check 300 vehicles per day and will also provide soft skills training such as Hindi and English to provide better employment opportunities to the local youth. “This initiative will help our youth to get employment outside the state and earn a better living,” Sarma said.
Health and sports facilities announced
The chief minister also announced plans to build a medical college and a full-fledged sports stadium in Biswanath. Along with this, he proposed to set up a BSc nursing college, GNM school and paramedical institute to promote skill development.
Key announcements about upcoming projects
Sarma reiterated his government’s commitment, saying, “Our government stands by its words. We fulfil our commitments and will continue to do so in future. I will either fulfil my promises or try till I die.”
Apart from this, he informed that the construction work of Kanhaklata University in Gohpur will start in three months.
Hopes for Biswanath’s future
Sarma also said that when all these projects—be it the Rs 12,000 crore Gohpur-Numaligarh underwater tunnel, the ropeway, the Kanhaklata University, or the medical college—are completed, Biswanath will become a major attraction.
