Guwahati, Apr 1: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the state’s first automated vehicle fitness testing station in Biswanath on Monday, marking a significant development in the region’s infrastructure. The Rs 11.50 crore facility, which is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, is designed to inspect up to 300 vehicles per day. It will serve the districts of Biswanath, Lakhimpur, and Sonitpur, improving vehicle safety and compliance.
Following the inauguration, CM Sarma convened a meeting with officials from the Transport Department and the facility’s managing company to review the vehicle fitness testing procedures. The event is part of his ongoing three-day visit to Biswanath and Sonitpur districts.
Additionally, CM Sarma laid the foundation for several other projects, including a ropeway connecting Biswanath Ghat to Umatumoni River Island, which is estimated to cost Rs 58.81 crore. The 446-meter-long ropeway will accommodate 300 passengers per hour, enhancing regional connectivity and boosting tourism.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated other key projects, including the Circuit House (Rs 12.98 crore), the Office of the Biswanath Zila Parishad (Rs 4 crore), and the Tribal Rest House (Rs 1 crore). He further laid the foundation for an Industrial Park at Borgang’s No. 2 Dhemaji Bari (Rs 31.54 crore), an Accredited Driver Training Centre, and an Automated Driving Test Track (Rs 4 crore).
During his address, CM Sarma emphasized the state government’s commitment to accelerating Assam’s development. He also shared plans for further developments, including the upcoming Biswanath Medical College and Hospital, a B.Sc. Nursing College, and the commencement of work on Kanaklata University in Gohpur, which will offer courses in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine learning.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Health Minister Ashok Singhal, Transport Minister Jogen Mohan, MP Ranjit Dutta, MLAs Promod Borthakur, Utpal Borah, and Diganta Ghatowal, along with other local officials.
