New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) Gaurav Gogoi, Congress MP and Deputy Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, raised significant concerns regarding the subpar condition of NH-37 that connects Jorhat and Dibrugarh in Assam. He urged Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to take immediate corrective actions.

During the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, Gadkari responded, assuring Gogoi that measures would be taken swiftly to ameliorate the highway's condition.

In his remarks, Gogoi referenced a viral video showing Gadkari traveling smoothly on a highway, expressing that Assam's roads do not match that quality, despite the continuous toll collection.

“A video circulated on social media featured your vehicle cruising on the highway. We in Assam experienced envy because, although there are toll gates, we cannot drive at speeds of 100-130 km/h due to the poor road quality. Residents of Assam are paying tolls, yet they are not receiving highways of comparable quality as seen in your videos. Notably, NH-37 from Jorhat to Dibrugarh is in a dire state. The stretch from Jhanji has seen improvements post your intervention, but further along, the roads remain in bad condition,” Gogoi stated.

In his response, Gadkari acknowledged the concerns raised and attributed the deterioration to severe rainfall.

“The MP's observations are correct. The road suffered damage owing to the heavy rains. An inquiry was conducted, and necessary actions were taken. I am confident the road will be restored,” he said.

Additionally, Gadkari revealed a substantial overhaul in India's toll collection system, announcing that the current method would be phased out within a year, to be replaced by an electronic toll system that aims to facilitate seamless travel on national highways.

He mentioned that this new system is already operational in ten locations and will expand nationwide within a year.

“This toll system will cease to exist. No one will halt you under the guise of tolls. In a year, an electronic toll collection system will be implemented throughout the country,” the minister stated.

Gadkari further disclosed that there are currently 4,500 highway projects worth Rs 10 lakh crore in progress across India, highlighting the scale of the ongoing infrastructural advancements.