Poor Road Quality in Assam: Congress MP Confronts Nitin Gadkari About NH-37 Conditions Despite Toll Collection

New Delhi: During Thursday's Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi raised concerns about the substandard condition of National Highway 37 between Jorhat and Dibrugarh in Assam, prompting Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to assure remedial action.

Gogoi referenced a viral video showing Minister Gadkari traveling at high speed on a highway, expressing that such road quality is unavailable in Assam. "We got jealous in Assam, as there are toll gates, and we cannot drive at 100-130 kmph as the quality is so poor," Gogoi stated. "People of Assam are paying tolls but not receiving highways of good quality like in your videos. Especially from Jorhat to Dibrugarh, NH-37 is in a bad state."

The Congress MP acknowledged that the Jhanji section had improved following Gadkari's previous intervention but emphasized that other sections remained problematic.

Responding to these concerns, Union Minister Gadkari conceded the validity of Gogoi's observations. "What the MP said is right. The road was damaged after the rainfall. An enquiry was also conducted, and things were rectified. I believe the road will be fine," Gadkari assured the House.

The minister's office later shared details of the exchange on social media, highlighting the question and response regarding Assam's road conditions.

Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha proceedings began with opposition members protesting against the severe air pollution affecting North India.

Separately, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to introduce the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025, for consideration and passage. This legislation aims to generate resources for national security and public health expenditures through a cess on manufacturing processes and production of specified goods.