- Gobardhan Yojana approved for biogas production, rural income generation.
- Guwahati-Tezpur NH-15 corridor sanctioned for improved connectivity in Assam.
- Highway to feature Emergency Landing Facility with Indian Air Force.
The Union Cabinet has taken two major decisions to strengthen India’s energy and infrastructure sectors. On one hand, the Cabinet has approved the ‘Gobardhan Yojana’ with a budget of Rs 23,731 crore to promote biogas production in the country. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision during a press conference.
The scheme will be implemented from 2026-27 to 2035-36 and aims to make compressed biogas (CBG) an important part of India’s future energy sector.
What Will Be Special About The Scheme?
Under the Gobardhan Yojana, agricultural waste such as stubble, animal dung, sugarcane sludge (press mud), urban wet waste and other organic waste will be converted into clean fuel and organic fertiliser.
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The scheme is expected to increase rural incomes, reduce pollution and strengthen the country’s economy.
Government’s Focus On Promoting Biogas Sector
Under the scheme, the government will take several steps to expand the biogas sector. The focus will be on ensuring gas demand, maintaining reasonable prices and providing financial assistance for setting up biogas plants.
The initiative also includes developing pipeline infrastructure for gas supply, improving access to loans and encouraging new technologies.
The government believes the scheme will not only help reduce pollution but also create new employment opportunities in rural areas.
Guwahati-Tezpur NH-15 Corridor Approved
Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet has also approved the development of the Guwahati-Tezpur NH-15 corridor (135.871 km) in Assam at a cost of Rs 8,970.20 crore.
The four-lane, access-controlled highway will be developed under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) toll model and will improve connectivity between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
What Makes This Project Special?
A key feature of the project will be the construction of a 4.9-km-long Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Tezpur bypass in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The project will also help reduce traffic congestion on the existing NH-27 south of the Brahmaputra River. Five major bypasses will be constructed at Baihata Chariali, Sipajhar, Khakhrupetia, Dhekiajuli and Tezpur to ease traffic movement.
Modern Infrastructure Along The Corridor
The corridor will include 15 major bridges, 30 minor bridges, 19 flyovers, 46 underpasses and one elephant underpass on the Tezpur bypass to ensure wildlife safety.
The government said the project will double average travel speed and reduce travel time by half, resulting in fuel savings and lower vehicle operating costs.
Which Areas Will Benefit?
- Industrial development: Connectivity to PM Gati-Shakti Economic Zones.
- Social and tourism destinations: Aspirational districts such as Darrang and Udalguri, Maa Kamakhya Temple, Kaziranga National Park and Orang National Park.
- Logistics and transportation: Better connectivity with three major railway stations, two airports and two waterway terminals.