The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for a Rs 2,486.78 crore project to widen and improve to two-lane the 135 km road from Khowai to Harina on NH-208 in Tripura, an official said on Wednesday.
The project involves a loan component of Rs 1,511.70 crore from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under Official Development Assistance (ODA) scheme.
The approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) for the Rs 2,486.78 crore project to widen and improve the 135 km road from Khowai to Harina on NH-208 in Tripura is a significant development. Here are the key points of the project:
1. Project Cost and Funding: The total cost of the project is Rs 2,486.78 crore. A substantial portion of the funding, amounting to Rs 1,511.70 crore, will be provided through a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) scheme.
2. Project Objectives: The primary objective of the project is to widen and improve the road from Khowai to Harina, converting it into a two-lane road. This is expected to enhance road connectivity within Tripura and provide an alternative access route to Assam and Meghalaya from Tripura, complementing the existing NH-8.
3. International Connectivity: The project stretch is strategically located close to the Bangladesh border. The improved road infrastructure is expected to enhance connectivity to Bangladesh through Kailashahar, Kamalpur, and Khowai Border Check Post. This could potentially boost land border trade between India and Bangladesh.
4. Benefits to Tripura: The widened and improved road is anticipated to bring several benefits to Tripura. It will provide better connectivity to various parts of the state, including agricultural areas, tourist destinations, religious sites, and tribal districts. This improved connectivity is expected to contribute to the overall growth and income of these regions.
5. Economic Impact: The project is seen as a means to generate more revenue for the state and create additional income opportunities for the local population. The enhanced road network is likely to facilitate transportation and trade, thereby contributing to economic development.
6. Construction Period and Maintenance: The construction period for the project stretches is estimated to be 2 years. Additionally, there will be a maintenance period of 5 years (for flexible pavement) or 10 years (for rigid pavement) after the completion of construction.
In summary, the approval of this infrastructure project reflects the government’s commitment to improving transportation and connectivity in the region, fostering economic development, and enhancing international trade relations, particularly with Bangladesh.
Union I&B Minister Anurag Singh Thakur in his X handle said : In a major decision taken today by the #Cabinet, under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, the proposal to improve and widen the 135 km stretch of the Khowai-Harina road in Tripura has been approved.
Also, a new 4.5 km long, 6-lane bridge connecting Digha & Sonepur will be built in Bihar at a cost of ₹ 3000 crore.
Both projects will prove to be game-changers in promoting connectivity in our eastern and north-eastern states, helping in the socio-economic growth of the region, and providing employment to people.
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha said, “I wholeheartedly thank Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji for approving the proposal for widening & improving the 135 km stretch of Khowai-Harina road in Tripura. This reflects the Hon’ble PM’s unwavering commitment to strengthening road infrastructure in NE. The project will definitely boost connectivity development in Tripura.”
