Guwahati, Feb 12: The Centre has approved ₹747.72 crore for 26 infrastructure projects in Assam, comprising 10 road projects worth ₹617.98 crore under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) scheme and 16 bridge projects worth ₹129.74 crore under the CRIF Setu Bandhan scheme.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced the funding on Friday via a post on X, stating that the projects will enhance regional connectivity, improve transportation efficiency, reduce travel time, boost local trade, facilitate smoother movement of goods and people, and contribute to the socio-economic development of Assam.

In a related development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the construction of the Majuli-Jorhat bridge and its connecting highway on Thursday at Manika Pathar in Garmur, Majuli. During his visit to the district, Sarma laid foundation stones and inaugurated projects worth ₹2,218 crore, while distributing cheques to 31,952 beneficiaries under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udhyami Adhikarita (MMUA) scheme.

Key inaugurations included the academic building and girls’ hostel of Majuli Cultural University (₹51 crore), the Integrated District Commissioner’s Office at Garamur (₹24.83 crore), the District Transport Officer’s Office between Garmur and Kamalabari (₹3.57 crore), the Senior Superintendent of Police’s office, a Government Model Degree College, the Dakshinpat Satra Museum, the Jyoti Bishnu Cultural Complex, and a bridge over the Lohit River at Selekghat.

The three-storey academic building at Majuli Cultural University accommodates 1,880 students and includes offices for the Vice Chancellor and Registrar. The four-storey girls’ hostel provides residence for 178 students.