Infrastructure-led growth prospects received a major boost in Northeast India on Monday as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) marked the foundation stone laying and dedication to the nation of key National Highway projects in Meghalaya. Market observers believe the projects will strengthen regional trade networks, improve logistics efficiency and support long-term economic development across the Northeast. The projects were unveiled during a ceremony at Polo Ground, Shillong, led by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari and presided over by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Senior state leaders, Members of Parliament, YAMAZAKI Fumio, Minister of Economic & Development at the Embassy of Japan, and TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India, attended the event.
Of the six National Highway projects inaugurated in Meghalaya, JICA is financing three major corridors worth ₹1,592 crore. These include the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge to Selsella Simbukolgre section (₹737 crore), the Selsella Simbukolgre to Goeragre stretch (₹504 crore) on NH-127B, and the Shillong-Dawki Road project (₹351 crore). The projects are being implemented under the Northeast Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project Phases 2 and 7. The road corridors are expected to improve interstate connectivity and facilitate cross-border trade between Meghalaya, Assam, West Bengal and Bangladesh. Key benefits include reduced travel time, enhanced road safety, lower vehicle operating costs, increased trade through the Dalu Land Customs Station and improved access to tourism destinations. The Shillong-Dawki corridor, which provides international connectivity to Bangladesh near Tamabill village, includes an upgraded four-lane section from Rilbong Junction to Pomlum and a two-lane paved shoulder stretch up to Mylliem Marbaniang.
In Shillong, the highway upgrades are expected to improve the movement of goods, reduce logistics costs and strengthen commercial linkages with neighbouring states and Bangladesh. Businesses in transport, tourism, hospitality and trade sectors are likely to benefit from faster connectivity, while improved market access could attract fresh investments and support the city’s emergence as a key economic gateway in the Northeast. “These highway projects will not only enhance regional connectivity and facilitate trade, but more importantly, they will create new opportunities for jobs, businesses and improved livelihoods for local communities,” said TAKEUCHI Takuro, reaffirming JICA’s commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive growth through high-quality infrastructure investments.