Nearly 10,000 Km Of Highways And Counting: India's Massive Push To Transform North East Connectivity This Past Decade

Over the past decade, the Indian government has significantly advanced road infrastructure in the North Eastern Region (NER), constructing 9,984 kilometres of National Highways (NHs) with an investment of Rs 1,07,504 crore.

In a recent statement, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) highlighted the progress and ongoing efforts to enhance road connectivity in the NER. The ministry has emphasised its dedication to the NER by earmarking 10 per cent of the national budget specifically for road development in the region

The government's focused efforts on expanding road infrastructure in the NER are not only improving connectivity within the region but are also enhancing access to neighbouring countries, thereby strengthening trade and strategic ties

These initiatives reflect a broader vision of integrating the North East region more closely with the rest of India, ensuring that the region's unique geographic and strategic position is leveraged to its fullest potential.  

Completing these projects is expected to play a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the NER, bringing remote and rural areas closer to mainstream economic activities, and increasing tourism and trade opportunities.

A Financial Express report states that 265 additional national highway projects are currently underway, covering 5,055 kilometres, with an estimated investment of Rs 1,18,894 crore.

Some of the ongoing projects and government initiatives aimed at advancing road infrastructure in the NER include:

Bharatmala Pariyojna

The Bharatmala focuses on improving the efficiency of existing infrastructure, promoting multi-modal integration, closing infrastructure gaps for smooth movement, and connecting national and economic corridors.

The project covers 2,767 kilometres of NHs in the NER, with a total investment of Rs 64,319 crore. So far, 272 kilometres have been completed, with an expenditure of Rs 5,462 crore.

Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North East (SARDP-NE)

SARDP-NE is a key initiative aiming to upgrade NHs to 2/4 lanes, particularly those connecting state capitals, district headquarters, and remote areas.

Under the programme, including the Arunachal Package, 5,468 kilometres of roadwork has been sanctioned with an investment of Rs 63,542 crore. To date, 3,699 kilometres have been completed, costing Rs 38,160 crore.

National Highways Development Project (NHDP) Phase-III

As part of NHDP Phase-III, 110 kilometres of NHs have been developed in the NER, contributing to the overall enhancement of the region’s road infrastructure.

Trans-Arunachal Highway

The Trans-Arunachal Highway, spanning 1,077 kilometres from Tawang to Kanubari, is a crucial project for the region. Sanctioned at Rs 11,643 crore, 815 kilometres of this highway have been completed, with an expenditure of Rs 8,708 crore.

Frontier Highway

The Frontier Highway is a major initiative aiming to advance connectivity in border areas. It includes 41 projects with a total length of 1,498 kilometres and a combined cost of Rs 29,562 crore, funded by different ministries including MoRTH, the Ministry of Defence, and the Central Road & Infrastructure Fund.