Page 37 - NIS English 01-15 September, 2026

Union Cabinet Decisions

Approval for Guwahati-Tezpur

Highway and GOBARdhan Scheme

To enhance connectivity in the North-East and strengthen the country’s infrastructure, the
Union Cabinet has approved the development of the 135.87 km long, four-lane Guwahati-
Tezpur corridor in Assam. Also, the ‘GOBARdhan ‘ scheme has been approved to strengthen the
energy sector and boost biogas production in India. These two decisions will not only accelerate
connectivity in the North-East but also increase farmers’ income and bolster energy security.

DECISION: Approval for GOBARdhan, a national DECISION: Cabinet has approved the construction
integrated scheme for Compressed Biogas, with of a 4-lane highway from Baihata Chariali (near
an outlay of ₹23,731 crore. Guwahati, Assam) to Tezpur along National
Highway-15, excluding the 15.11 km Mangaldai
IMPACT: A historic national scheme to transform bypass.
the country’s organic resources into clean energy, IMPACT: The project will approximately double
rural prosperity, and economic growth. The scheme average travel speeds, halve travel time, and improve
will be implemented from the financial year 2026-27 overall road safety. It will reduce fuel consumption
to 2035-36. and vehicle operating costs, while boosting regional
n An integrated framework to accelerate Compressed mobility and socio-economic development.
Biogas production through assured procurement, n The project includes provisions for the construction
stable pricing, capital support, and pipeline of 15 major bridges, 30 minor bridges, 19 flyovers,
connectivity. and an elephant underpass on the Tezpur bypass.
n A nearly tenfold increase in domestic Compressed n A 135.87 km long highway will be constructed at a
Biogas production and strengthening of the country’s cost of ₹8,970.20 crore.
energy security.
n A 4.9 km long emergency landing facility will be
n A major boost for farmers, rural entrepreneurs, developed on the Tezpur bypass.
private investment, ‘waste-to-wealth’ initiatives, and
‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. n It will seamlessly connect key economic, social, and
logistics nodes in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. n

Scan the QR code to watch the press
briefing on the Cabinet decisions.
Sep 01-15, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 35