JICA extends ODA loan of INR 1,946 crores to enhance connectivity in Northeast India with North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project Phase 3 (II)

New Delhi, February 20, 2024: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is steadfast in its support to enhance connectivity in the Northeast region of India through the North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project (Phase 3) (II) with a loan agreement worth JPY 34,537 million yen (approximately INR 1,946 crores). The loan is the 2nd tranche of supporting the construction of the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge, India’s longest river bridge, connecting Assam and Meghalaya across the Brahmaputra River.

The construction of the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge commenced in 2021, and the work is ongoing with the completion target of 2028. While the existing land route requires more than 8 hours to travel from Dhubri to Phulbari, the bridge is expected to reduce the travel time to 23 minutes between the two ends of the bridge. The bridge forms part of the stretch of total 180km financed by JICA, connecting Srirampur, Assam on the East-West Corridor to the border town of Dalu in Meghalaya, expected to become a new trade corridor with neighboring Bhutan and Bangladesh.

The project aligns with the Government of India’s priority to reduce regional disparities and promote socio-economic development in the Northeast region by improving road infrastructure to enhance the flow of goods and people, boost trade, and foster economic prosperity in the region. It also aligns with Japan's assistance policy for India, which emphasizes enhancing connectivity and supporting sustainable growth. Focusing on the development of Northeast India, Prime Minister Kishida during his visit to Delhi in March 2023 announced ‘the Bay of Bengal-Northeast India industrial value chain concept’, viewing the Bay of Bengal as a single economic zone and connecting the region to foster growth. The project contributes to realizing this vision through increased connectivity and improving the movement of people and goods.

The loan agreement for the project was signed between Mr. Vikas Sheel, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative of JICA India office said, “JICA remains steadfast in its mission to bolster Northeast India's infrastructure and promote inclusive development. We are elated that the steady progress of the construction of the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge, longest river-crossing bridge in India, is today recognized by the launch of the additional tranche of the Northeast Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project (Phase 3). Through collaboration with the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and local stakeholders, we aim to contribute to increasing connectivity and promoting socioeconomic growth in the region."

The figures are calculated with current exchange ratio: INR 1/- = JPY 1.7743700/-

About JICA
Established, by a specific law, as an incorporated administrative, as the sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation. JICA is the world's largest bilateral donor agency. JICA works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries like India and provides assistance in the form of loans, grants, and technical cooperation so that emerging countries can strengthen their capabilities.

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