New Delhi: In a significant move to enhance the connectivity in the northeastern state of Tripura, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has sanctioned the improvement and widening of a key stretch of National Highway (NH)-208. The project, extending from Khowai to Harina, covers a length of 134.913 kilometers and marks a substantial investment of Rs.2,486.78 crore.
A noteworthy portion of this funding, amounting to Rs.1,511.70 crore (JPY 23,129 Million), will be financed through a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) scheme. This infrastructural development is expected to bolster road connectivity within Tripura and provide an alternative route to Assam and Meghalaya, supplementing the existing NH-8.
Project Significance and Benefits
The NH-208 stretch has been earmarked for development considering the pressing need for smooth and durable roads, reflecting the socio-economic demands of the region. Post-completion, the upgraded highway will not only enhance interstate travel between Assam and Tripura via NH-208A but also shorten travel times and offer safer routes for commuters. Additionally, its proximity to the Bangladesh border positions it as a strategic route for improving cross-border connectivity, potentially boosting land border trade.
Crucially, this road project is set to transform access to the state’s agricultural areas, tourist destinations, religious sites, and tribal districts, which have historically lagged in development and income. The enhanced connectivity is anticipated to spur economic growth, increase state revenue, and uplift the local population’s earnings.
Project Timeline and Maintenance Plan
The construction phase of the NH-208 project is slated for completion within two years. Post-construction, the plan includes a maintenance period spanning 5 years for stretches with flexible pavement and 10 years for those with rigid pavement. This comprehensive approach ensures long-term sustainability and efficiency of the highway infrastructure, promising a brighter future for Tripura’s connectivity and economic development.
