JICA-Supported National Highway Projects Mark a Milestone in Northeast India’s Connectivity
The ceremony, held at the Polo Ground, Shillong, was led by Sh. Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, and presided over by Sh. Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya. It was attended by the Deputy Chief Ministers, State Ministers, the Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Members of Parliament, Mr. Mr. YAMAZAKI Fumio, Minister of Economic & Development, Embassy of Japan, and Mr. TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India.
Among the six National Highway projects inaugurated today in Meghalaya, including foundation stone laying and dedication to the nation, JICA is financing three major corridors with a total investment of ₹1,592 crore. These strategically planned corridors are designed to strengthen interstate connectivity within Northeast India and facilitate seamless cross-border trade and movement between Meghalaya, Assam, West Bengal, and neighboring Bangladesh, thereby supporting regional economic growth and socio-economic development.
The JICA-financed corridors include:
Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge to Selsella Simbukolgre (Package-I, NH-127B): 2-lane with paved shoulder; 31.500 km; Cost: ₹737 Cr.
Selsella Simbukolgre to Goeragre (Package-II, NH-127B): 2-lane with paved shoulder; 31.724 km; Cost: ₹504 Cr.
Shillong-Dawki Road (Package-I, NH-106/206): 2-lane with paved shoulder / 4-lane section; 10.670 km; Cost: ₹351 Cr.
The mentioned projects are financed under the project “Northeast Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project (Phase 2)” and “North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project (Phase 7)”
Key benefits of these projects include enhanced road safety, reduced travel time, increased trade volume at Dalu Land Customs Station (LCS), improved access to tourist destinations, and support for sustainable development through lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The Shillong-Dawki corridor provides international connectivity to Bangladesh near Tamabill village. The stretch from Rilbong Junction to Pomlum (8.27 km) has been upgraded to a 4-lane standard, while the remaining stretch from Pomlum to Mylliem Marbaniang (2.40 km) is 2-lane with paved shoulder, significantly improving traffic flow and safety in the Upper Shillong area.
The Dhubri-Phulbari to Selsella Simbukolgre corridor will benefit the Tribal District of West Garo Hills, enhancing trade, tourism, and regional development. Similarly, the Selsella Simbukolgre to Goeragre road will act as a vital link to the under-construction 4-lane bridge over the Brahmaputra River, connecting Dhubri in Assam with Phulbari in Meghalaya, which is also financed by JICA loan under the project name “Northeast Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project (Phase 3).”
TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India, said: "JICA is proud to be an integral partner in India’s infrastructure development, particularly in the Northeast. These highway projects will not only enhance regional connectivity and facilitate trade, but more importantly, they will create new opportunities for jobs, businesses, and improved livelihoods for local communities. We believe that connectivity is only the first step. Our goal is to go beyond connectivity—by leveraging high-quality infrastructure to promote industrialization, support community development, and drive sustainable and inclusive growth. Our long-standing collaboration with India reflects JICA’s continued commitment to building a better future through such high-impact infrastructure investments."
JICA has been a long-term development partner of India, providing Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans to strengthen national and regional connectivity, promote cross-border trade, and support socio-economic growth. With projects like NH-127B and the Shillong-Dawki corridor, JICA continues to facilitate infrastructure that strengthens India’s integration within the region and beyond.
Published on:
16 June 2026
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