A long-pending demand to widen the National Highway in Kaliabor was taken to Parliament this week, as a delegation of the Kaliabor Four-Lane Demand Committee met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi.
A six-member delegation, led by local MLA and minister Keshab Mahanta, visited Delhi and met the Union Minister at Parliament House on Monday. During the meeting, the delegation submitted a detailed memorandum seeking the expansion and widening of the existing National Highway stretch from Kaliabor Tiniali to Ranglu into a four-lane road. The highway was earlier known as National Highway-37 and has since been renumbered as NH-715.
The delegation said that the demand for a four-lane highway has been pending for several years and has become increasingly urgent due to rising traffic pressure and frequent congestion on the existing road. They pointed out that the highway is a key lifeline for Kaliabor and adjoining areas, connecting important commercial centres and serving thousands of daily commuters. 
Three Members of Parliament from Assam were present during the meeting. Rajya Sabha MP Birendra Prasad Baishya and Lok Sabha MPs Phani Bhushan Choudhury and Kamakhya Prasad Tasa accompanied the delegation and supported the demand. MP Birendra Prasad Baishya briefed Union Minister Gadkari in detail about the present condition of the road and the difficulties faced by local residents and traders.
The MPs highlighted that the highway passes through the heritage-rich Jakhalabandha commercial area, which has witnessed steady growth in business activity over the years. According to them, the narrow road often leads to traffic bottlenecks, accidents, and delays, affecting both local movement and long-distance travel.
Members of the Kaliabor Four-Lane Demand Committee said the issue has been raised repeatedly over the past three years, but no concrete decision has been taken so far. They stressed that widening the highway would not only improve safety but also boost trade, tourism, and overall development in the region.
