Ten Years of Progress: A Comprehensive Look at Road Infrastructure in the North Eastern Region
In the past decade, the North Eastern Region (NER) of India has witnessed a significant transformation in its road infrastructure, driven by a strategic focus on enhancing connectivity and fostering socio-economic development. A total of 9,984 kilometers of National Highways (NHs) have been constructed with an expenditure of ₹1,07,504 crore. Currently, 265 NH projects are underway, covering 5,055 kilometers at an estimated cost of ₹1,18,894 crore.
Strategic Importance and Budget Allocation
Recognizing the strategic and economic importance of the NER, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has earmarked 10% of its total budget for the region. Several key initiatives have been launched to develop and upgrade the NH network, ensuring improved connectivity across states and with neighboring countries.
Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North East (SARDP-NE)
A cornerstone of the region’s infrastructure development, the SARDP-NE aims to upgrade NHs connecting state capitals to 2/4 lane roads, provide at least 2-lane connectivity to district headquarters, and enhance road links to remote and backward areas. This program also focuses on improving roads of strategic importance in border areas. Under SARDP-NE, including the Arunachal Package, 5,468 kilometers of works have been sanctioned at a cost of ₹63,542 crore, with 3,699 kilometers completed at an expenditure of ₹38,160 crore.
National Highway Development Programme (NHDP) Phase-III
Under NHDP Phase-III, 110 kilometers of NHs have been developed in the NER, further enhancing the region’s road network and boosting accessibility.
Bharatmala Pariyojna
As part of the ambitious Bharatmala Pariyojna, 2,767 kilometers of road works have been sanctioned in the NER at a cost of ₹64,319 crore. So far, 272 kilometers have been completed, with an expenditure of ₹5,462 crore, significantly improving the region’s infrastructure.
Trans-Arunachal Highway
A major project under this initiative is the Trans-Arunachal Highway, stretching from Tawang to Kanubari. This 1,077-kilometer highway, sanctioned at a cost of ₹11,643 crore, aims to enhance connectivity across Arunachal Pradesh. To date, 815 kilometers have been completed, with an expenditure of ₹8,708 crore.
Frontier Highway in Arunachal Pradesh
In a bid to bolster connectivity in border areas of strategic importance, the Frontier Highway project has been launched in Arunachal Pradesh. This initiative involves 41 projects covering 1,498 kilometers, with a total cost of ₹29,562 crore. Funding is sourced from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Defence, and Central Road & Infrastructure Fund.
Minister’s Statement
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, highlighted these achievements in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. He emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming the road infrastructure in the NER, thereby driving socio-economic development and improving connectivity within the region and beyond.
As these projects progress, the North Eastern Region is poised for a new era of growth and prosperity, underpinned by a robust and extensive road network.
