JICA EXTENDS ODA LOANS TO ENHANCE CONNECTIVITY IN NORTHEAST INDIA
Shillong, February 21 : Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed two loan agreements in the state of Meghalaya, as part of its steadfast support to enhance connectivity in the North East region of India through the North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project.
A loan agreement worth JPY 34,537 million yen (approximately INR 1,946 crores) was signed for the Northeast Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project (Phase 3) (II), which is the 2nd tranche of supporting the construction of the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge. This is India’s longest river bridge, connecting Assam and Meghalaya across the Brahmaputra River.Another loan agreement amounting to JPY 15,561 million yen (approximately INR 877 crores) was signed with the Government of India for the Northeast Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project (Phase 7). This project aims to improve the National Highway 127B (NH127B) from Phulbari to Goeragre in the state.
The construction of the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge commenced in 2021, and the work is ongoing with the completion target of 2028. While the existing land route requires more than 8 hours to travel from Dhubri to Phulbari, the bridge is expected to reduce the travel time to 23 minutes between the two ends of the bridge. The bridge forms part of the stretch of total 180 km financed by JICA, connecting Srirampur, Assam on the East-West Corridor to the border town of Dalu in Meghalaya, expected to become a new trade corridor with neighboring Bhutan and Bangladesh.
The North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project (Phase 7) involves widening and improvement of the national highway in the western part of Meghalaya, which connects the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge to Goeragre near Tura, the second largest city of the state. On a larger scale, the Phulbari-Goeragre stretch forms part of the stretch of total 180 km financed by JICA, connecting Srirampur, Assam on the East-West Corridor to the border town of Dalu in Meghalaya, expected to become a new trade corridor with neighboring Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Both projects align with the Government of India’s priority to reduce regional disparities and promote socio-economic development in the Northeast region by improving road infrastructure to enhance the flow of goods and people, boost trade, and foster economic prosperity in the region.The loan agreements for the project were signed between Mr. Vikas Sheel, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative of JICA India office said, “JICA’s support to the NorthEast Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project Phase 3 (II) & Phase 7 underscores its commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in the region.While we are elated with the steady progress of the construction of the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge, longest river-crossing bridge in India, the stretch between Phulbari and Goeragre(Phase 7) will bridge the missing link from the East-West Corridor to the border town of Daluin Meghalaya. Once completed the region will have the potential to become a new economic corridor through increased connectivity with neighbouring countries. The successful implementation of these projects requires collaboration among various stakeholders such as the Meghalaya Public Works Department (MPWD), National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), Government of Meghalaya and local communities.”
