Under Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) funded North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project Phase 4,the foundation stone laying ceremony for NH208 from Kailasahar to Khowai, was virtually held.Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Governor of TripuraShri Ramesh BaisSarbanandaattended the programme.
The 80km long NH208 from Kailasahar to Khowaisection is implemented by National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL)with financial support by Government of Japan, amounting to JPY 14,926 million (approximately Rs 982 crore)as part of the regional connectivity improvement in the North Eastern States. Once the road is completed, traveling time between Kaliashar and Khowai will be drastically reduced.
Chief Representative of JICA India, Mr. Katsuo Matsumotosaid this road construction is expected to strengthen not only regional connectivity within North East states but also cross border connectivity between India and Bangladesh.
Since 2008, Japan, through its funding agency known as JICA, has extended 231 billion Japanese Yen (approximately Rs 15,795 crore) as concessional ODA loans for development of North East Region. JICA havesupportedimproving and constructingprioritized national highways (Total 523km)through the North East Connectivity Improvement Projects (Phase1 – Phase 3).
