Congress MP Gogoi Calls for Improved Connectivity in BJP’s Northeastern Stronghold

Quick Summary

• Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has called for improved and consistent connectivity in AssamS Barak Valley,which suffers from persistent infrastructure challenges.
• Barak Valley, consisting of three districts (Cachar, Hailakandi, Sribhumi), has faced prolonged isolation due to damaged roads, collapsed bridges, landslides disrupting railway services, and inflated air travel costs.
• Notable issues include:

– Lumding-Badarpur railway section experiencing at least seven major breakdowns in five years due to landslides and embankment failures.
– Repeated blockages on highways NH6, NH27, and NH37 from landslides or culvert damage; collapse of Harang Bridge despite ₹137 crore repairs.
– Air travel being unaffordable for most residents of the valley’s population (40 lakh), with exorbitant fares reaching ₹18-20K for short journeys between Silchar and Guwahati.

• residents have expressed frustration online. mrinmoy Kashyap Sinha highlighted exploitative airfare practices exacerbated by limited transportation options.
• Gogoi emphasized the chronic disruption’s impact on daily life through a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi dated July 10.
• He urged the government to implement a roadmap with long-term solutions like climate-resilient railway tracks/highways and alternate corridors.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The persistent connectivity issues in Barak Valley highlight critical gaps in infrastructure development that have severe implications for northeastern India’s socio-economic integration. While recognizing resident resilience amid frequent disruptions is important,reliance solely on air transport clearly disadvantages lower-income populations unable to afford steep fares. The region’s strategic importance-being historically pivotal in BJP’s Northeast expansion-underscores why rapid infrastructural improvements are overdue.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s appeal seeks accountability from the central government by outlining practical measures such as climate-resilient infrastructure bypassing natural vulnerabilities during monsoons. A clear response addressing these systemic breakdowns could mitigate regional isolation while fostering trust among Barak Valley’s residents. This call demonstrates bipartisan potential: prioritizing equitable development as an urgent policy focus regardless of political affiliations.

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