Manipur Leads The Way In Centre’s Rs 12,000 Crore North East Road Overhaul

The Centre has launched a comprehensive initiative to enhance road infrastructure in the northeastern states of India. A special focus will be placed on improving connectivity in remote and hilly regions.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the projects are set to transform the region’s transportation network, promoting economic growth, regional integration, and access to essential services for millions of residents.

Road Development Projects In Manipur

Manipur has emerged as a major beneficiary of this infrastructure boost. In a significant move, MoRTH has approved 50 National Highway projects in the state, covering a total length of 1,026 kilometres (km).

The attention is primarily on the state’s hilly areas, which often face challenges related to terrain and accessibility. Of the total projects, 44 initiatives covering 902 km specifically target these regions.

Among the 50 projects, eight have already been completed, totalling 125 km in the hills, while 36 projects are currently in progress.

A substantial budget of Rs 12,000 crore has been allocated for the remaining 777 km.

This investment will not only enhance connectivity but also provide better access to essential services, markets, and economic opportunities for residents of Manipur's remote and underserved communities.

For the upcoming Annual Plan of 2024-25, MoRTH has earmarked additional resources, including two more National Highway projects in hilly areas with a combined budget of Rs 1,350 crore, as per a PIB release. These new projects will span an additional 90 km.

Critical Player In The North East Infrastructure Drive

Assam, the largest state in the North East, is also a key beneficiary of the central government’s infrastructure plans.

On 22 October, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reaffirmed the state's commitment to timely road development after attending a review meeting chaired by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

During the meeting, Sarma stressed the need for expedited completion of 57 critical National Highway projects in the state, particularly the Jorhat-Dibrugarh highway, which is vital for Assam’s internal connectivity and trade routes.

He also highlighted that the alignment for the much-anticipated Kaziranga elevated corridor has been approved, and the detailed project report for the Gohpur-Numaligarh Tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River is nearing completion. These projects are critical for preserving the state’s natural heritage while improving infrastructure.

During the same review, Sarma pushed for the swift completion of the Baihata Chariali-Tezpur four-lane highway and requested Gadkari to re-tender the stalled Majuli bridge project.

The Majuli bridge, once completed, will significantly improve connectivity to the river island, one of the largest in the world, and boost tourism and local economies.

Nagaland’s Highway Transformation

Nagaland, another state in India’s northeastern region, is also witnessing a dramatic shift in its highway infrastructure.

On 21 October, Gadkari conducted a high-level review of 29 National Highway projects spanning 545 km in the state.

The meeting, which involved key figures such as Nagaland’s Deputy Chief Minister, T R Zeliang, and the Minister of State (MoS) for Road Transport and Highways, Ajay Tamta, focused on accelerating these projects with an emphasis on sustainability and cost efficiency.

Arunachal Pradesh’s Infrastructure Boost

Gadkari also reviewed the progress of 15 ongoing National Highway projects covering 423 km in Arunachal Pradesh.

The review meeting involved prominent leaders like Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Tamta, and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

The central government is pushing for faster completion of these projects to ensure timely delivery and to minimise disruptions to local communities.

Gadkari’s vision for the state emphasises “sustainable mobility” and “long-term development” for Arunachal Pradesh’s highways.

The Larger Vision: Regional Connectivity And National Integration

These efforts are all part of a larger vision of the Modi government to strengthen the northeastern region’s connectivity and ensure its full integration with India’s overall growth trajectory.

The North East, often seen as isolated due to its topography, is set to experience a transformation through these road projects. The strategic importance of enhancing road infrastructure in these areas extends beyond economic growth.

It also holds potential for national security, as these improved roads provide better accessibility to border areas, particularly in states like Arunachal Pradesh, which shares borders with China.