The Central government had “almost withdrawn” investments in national highways (NH) in Assam around five years ago, as the toll gates of the state were non-operational due to protests by local people and organisations, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in the Assembly on Thursday. It was only after the toll gates were made operational in the later part of the previous state government’s term that funds started flowing in again, he added.
“The Centre had informed us that unless the government of Assam opens the toll gates, no money will be pumped in (through the National Highway Authority of India). It was almost five years ago and the Central government had almost withdrawn all its investment in highways,” Sarma said.
