Shillong, February, 2024: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a loan agreement amounting to JPY 15,561 million yen approximately INR 877 crores with the Government of India for the North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project Phase 7. This project aims to improve the National Highway 127B (NH127B) from Phulbari to Goeragre in the state of Meghalaya.
The project will involve 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 Meghalaya.
On a larger scale, the Phulbari-Goeragre stretch forms part of the stretch of total 180km 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 project aligns with the Government of India’s priority to reduce regional disparities and promote socio-economic development in the North East region by improving road infrastructure to enhance the flow of goods and people, boost trade, and foster economic prosperity in the region.
It also aligns with Japan’s assistance policy for India, which emphasizes enhancing connectivity and supporting sustainable growth. Focusing on the development of North East India.
Prime Minister Kishida during his visit to Delhi in March 2023 announced the ‘Bay of Bengal-North East India industrial value chain concept’, viewing the Bay of Bengal as a single economic zone and connecting the region to foster growth. The project contributes to this vision through increased connectivity and improving the movement of people and goods.
The loan agreement for the project was 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 for the project underscores its commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in Northeast India.
This stretch between Phulbari and Goeragre will bridge the missing link from the East-West Corridor to the border town of Dalu, Meghalaya, and once completed the region will have the potential to become a new economic corridorthrough increased connectivity with neighboring countries.
The successful implementation of this project requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including the Meghalaya Public Works Department (MPWD), Government of Meghalayaand local communities. JICA remains committed to working closely with all partners to ensure the project’s success.”
