To enhance surface connectivity and stimulate economic growth, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) emphasized the necessity of accelerating 98 National Highway projects across four northeastern states: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Tripura.

A senior official from the Nagaland government indicated that Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, had reviewed the 98 National Highway projects in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, and Nagaland during a meeting in Delhi on Monday.

The official mentioned that several billions would be allocated for the implementation of these projects.

Among the 98 projects, there are 15 national highway projects in Arunachal Pradesh covering over 423 km, 29 in Nagaland extending 545 km, 38 in Manipur spanning 808 km, and 16 in Tripura totalling 324 km.

The official further stated that the Union Minister underscored the importance of expediting development to ensure the timely completion of critical infrastructure, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving mobility and fostering economic growth in the northeastern region.

The MoRTH has also approved 50 National Highway projects, totalling 1,026 km in length, in Manipur. Of these, 44 projects, covering 902 km, are located in the hills of the state. Currently, eight projects, covering 125 km, have been completed, while 36 projects, with a budget of Rs 120 billion for 777 km, are underway.

In the Annual Plan for 2024-25 of the Ministry, there are two National Highway projects amounting to Rs 13.50 billion for a total length of 90 km, which are also situated in hilly areas.