Shillong, June 16: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Tuesday said highway projects financed by it in Meghalaya will serve as critical infrastructure to improve connectivity, boost trade and generate economic opportunities across Northeast India.
In a statement issued here, JICA said it is financing three key corridors in Meghalaya, announced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday, with a combined investment of Rs 1,592 crore under its Northeast Road Network Connectivity Improvement Programme.
The projects are the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge to Selsella Simbukolgre stretch, the Selsella Simbukolgre to Goeragre corridor on NH-127B, and the Shillong-Dawki Road project, all aimed at strengthening interstate connectivity and facilitating cross-border trade with Bangladesh.
“These highway projects will not only enhance regional connectivity and facilitate trade, but more importantly, they will create new opportunities for jobs, businesses and improved livelihoods for local communities,” JICA India chief representative Takeuchi Takuro said.
He added that JICA’s vision extends beyond building roads and bridges.
“We believe that connectivity is only the first step. Our goal is to go beyond connectivity by leveraging high-quality infrastructure to promote industrialisation, support community development, and drive sustainable and inclusive growth,” Takuro said.
According to JICA, the projects are expected to reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs, improve road safety, boost tourism and increase trade through strategic corridors connecting Meghalaya with Assam, West Bengal and neighbouring Bangladesh.
The agency said the Shillong-Dawki corridor, which provides international connectivity to Bangladesh near Tamabil, includes the widening of the Rilbong Junction-Pomlum stretch to four lanes and upgrades to adjoining sections to ease traffic movement in the Upper Shillong area.
The Dhubri-Phulbari to Selsella Simbukolgre and Selsella Simbukolgre to Goeragre corridors are expected to improve access to West Garo Hills and strengthen links with the under-construction four-lane bridge over the Brahmaputra connecting Assam’s Dhubri with Meghalaya’s Phulbari.
JICA said its long-standing partnership with India through official development assistance loans continues to support infrastructure projects aimed at promoting regional integration, cross-border trade and sustainable socio-economic development.
