Assam has emerged as the leader among the Northeastern states in terms of National Highway (NH) projects, with the highest number of ongoing constructions and the longest road length currently under development. The state has received a massive investment of ₹39,239 crore for these projects, which are expected to be completed by 2028, subject to various external factors.
According to official data, some of the projects have already been completed during the financial year 2024-25, while others have been sanctioned but are yet to commence. Comparatively, Arunachal Pradesh has two major NH projects covering a total road length of 815 km, with an investment of ₹8,035 crore. Meanwhile, Nagaland, Manipur, and Tripura have fewer projects and shorter road lengths.
The data further reveals that while Assam leads in the number of ongoing projects and total investment, Arunachal Pradesh has a slightly smaller number of current projects but a significant future investment plan. The total funds approved for highway projects in the Northeast amount to ₹43,322 crore, while the total cost of under-construction projects stands at ₹87,363 crore.
Assam has also secured the highest allocation for NH development and maintenance, with ₹5,329 crore set aside for road infrastructure. Arunachal Pradesh follows with ₹3,488 crore, while Nagaland, Manipur, and Tripura have been allocated ₹1,227 crore, ₹1,508 crore, and ₹514 crore, respectively.
The completion of these highway projects depends on several factors, including the availability of encumbrance-free land, forest and environmental clearances, utility shifting, and the financial health of contractors. Seasonal working conditions also play a crucial role in determining the pace of construction.
To ensure timely execution, authorities have implemented various measures, including streamlining land acquisition processes, conducting regular project reviews, expediting approvals for scope changes, and maintaining close coordination with state governments and other stakeholders. These steps aim to address challenges and prevent delays in the implementation of NH projects across the Northeastern region.