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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 16/09/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (16-09-2025).

📝 Model Answer

Q. “Urban transport projects such as the proposed Guwahati Metro Rail, developed with Japan’s cooperation, can transform Assam’s urban landscape. Critically analyse its significance and challenges in the context of sustainable development and international partnership.”
(GS Paper III – Infrastructure, Economy | GS Paper II – India–Japan Relations | GS Paper V – Assam-specific Issues)

🔹 Introduction

Guwahati, the fastest-growing city in Northeast India, faces severe traffic congestion, pollution, and unplanned urban sprawl. To address this, the Assam Government signed an MoU with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Sept 2025 to develop the Guwahati Metro Rail Project, making it the first metro project in the Northeast. Beyond mobility, the project symbolises a strategic convergence of sustainable urban development and India–Japan cooperation.

🔹 Significance

1. Urban Transformation

Provides mass rapid transit, reducing traffic bottlenecks.
Improves air quality by reducing vehicular emissions.
Encourages transit-oriented development in Guwahati.

2. Economic Impact

Boosts real estate, commercial hubs, and job creation.
Strengthens Assam’s position as the gateway of Act East Policy.
Enhances connectivity to universities, hospitals, and transport hubs.

3. Strategic Partnership

Deepens India–Japan cooperation (JICA funding as in Delhi Metro, Bullet Train).
Supports India’s Northeast connectivity plan under Act East.
Enhances Japan’s role as a trusted development partner in sensitive border regions.

4. Social Benefits

Safe, affordable transport for students, women, and working-class commuters.
Encourages public transport usage, reducing dependence on private vehicles.

🔹 Challenges

Seismic Risks – Guwahati lies in Seismic Zone V, demanding earthquake-resilient designs.
Flooding & Drainage – Brahmaputra floods and waterlogging may affect construction/operations.
High Capital Costs – Metro projects cost ₹250–300 crore/km; long financial repayment needed.
Ridership Viability – Risk of underutilisation if fares are high or feeder systems are weak.
Land Acquisition – Displacement risks in urban/peri-urban areas.
Institutional Coordination – Requires Centre–State–JICA alignment on funding and execution.

🔹 Government Measures & Policies

Metro Rail Policy (2017) – Promotes PPPs and phased corridor development.
National Urban Transport Policy (2006) – Sustainable, people-centric urban transport.
Smart Cities Mission – Guwahati is part of 100 Smart Cities.
Act East Policy – Metro strengthens Guwahati’s role as a trade & mobility hub of the Northeast.
Japan’s ODA in NE – Funding for roads, bridges, water supply, now extending to metro rail.

🔹 Way Forward

Phased Implementation – Begin with busiest corridor (Jalukbari–Narengi).
Multimodal Integration – Link metro with ASTC buses, ferries, railway stations.
Affordable Fares – Cross-subsidise to ensure inclusion of low-income commuters.
Green Construction – Solar-powered stations, energy-efficient systems.
Community Engagement – Consult locals for resettlement, heritage-sensitive design.
Regional Model – Use Guwahati metro as a pilot for Shillong, Imphal, and Agartala.

🔹 Conclusion

The Guwahati Metro Rail Project, backed by Japan, has the potential to redefine urban mobility in Assam by integrating sustainability, inclusivity, and international cooperation. While challenges of cost, seismic safety, and ridership viability remain, effective planning and execution can turn it into a flagship model for Northeast India’s urban transformation and India–Japan partnership.

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