AGARTALA: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its nod for a significant infrastructure development project in Tripura.
The approval entails the improvement and widening of two lanes with paved shoulders of the road from 101.300 km (Khowai) to 236.213 km (Harina) of NH-208, covering a substantial length of 134.913 km.
The ambitious project comes with a total investment of Rs. 2,486.78 crore, which incorporates a crucial loan component of Rs. 1,511.70 crore (JPY 23,129 million).
The financial assistance will be provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) scheme.
Sharing glimpses from the ongoing project on social media, Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed confidence that the current endeavour would significantly improve connectivity in the Northeast.
“The ongoing construction of the Kurti-Kailashahar section of National Highway 208-A is poised to bolster trade and tourism in the region,” he shared on a micro-blogging website.
Upon completion, the project is expected to boost revenue for the state and generate income for the local populace.
The construction phase of the project is slated for a duration of 2 years, encompassing the maintenance of these National Highway stretches for 5 years (in the case of flexible pavement) or 10 years (in the case of rigid pavement) post-construction completion.
This strategic undertaking aims to enhance road connectivity in Tripura, offering an alternative route to Assam and Meghalaya from the existing NH-8.
The project aligns with the socio-economic needs of the region, fostering smoother interstate connectivity and minimising transit time for travellers.
The selection of this project was based on the imperative need for a well-maintained and accessible road network, considering the socio-economic dynamics of the region.
The development of NH-208 is poised to not only bolster interstate connectivity between Assam and Tripura through NH-208A but also reduce travel time, ensuring safer journeys for commuters.
Moreover, the project stretch closely aligns with the Bangladesh border, providing improved connectivity to Bangladesh through Kailashahar, Kamalpur, and Khowai Border Check Post.
This is anticipated to stimulate land border trade, fostering growth in the region’s road network.
The selected stretch of NH-208 is strategically aligned to enhance connectivity to agricultural areas, tourist destinations, religious sites, and tribal districts of the state, which have lagged in terms of growth and income.
