The West Bengal government has granted in-principle approval for the transfer of seven important national highway stretches to central agencies, clearing a prolonged administrative hurdle that had stalled several strategic projects across the state.
The decision allows the National Highways Authority of India (National Highways Authority of India) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd) to proceed with pending expansion and modernisation works on routes considered critical for regional trade, tourism and border connectivity.
According to an official statement issued from the Chief Secretary’s office, the projects had remained stuck for months because the road stretches were still under the control of the national highway wing of the state Public Works Department.
The Centre had repeatedly sought formal transfer of these corridors to begin construction and upgradation works.
The state government noted, “Development works on these stretches stood stalled in the absence of a formal handover. With today’s clearance, the central agencies can move forward without further delay.”
Among the key stretches handed over to NHAI is the 329.6-km NH-312 corridor linking Jangipur, Omarpur, Krishnagar, Bongaon and Basirhat before reaching Ghojadanga near the India-Bangladesh border.
