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. 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. A loan agreement worth JPY 34,537 million was signed for the Northeast Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project (Phase 3) (II), supporting the construction of India’s longest river bridge, the Dhubri-Phulbari 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. Speaking on this occasion, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative of JICA India office said, “JICA’s support to the North East 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 neighboring 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.”
