Japan's official development agency, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has pledged Rs 1,592 crore for three major road infrastructure projects in Meghalaya, saying road projects being implemented with its financial support will strengthen connectivity, boost cross-border trade and drive economic growth across the Northeast.
The projects, announced earlier this week by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, include the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge–Selsella Simbukolgre stretch, the Selsella Simbukolgre–Goeragre corridor on National Highway 127B and the Shillong-Dawki Road project.
The investment reflects Japan's growing strategic and economic interest in Northeast India, which Tokyo views as a key gateway for enhancing connectivity between South and Southeast Asia under India's Act East policy.
Furthermore, JICA maintained the investment reflects Japan's continued commitment to supporting infrastructure development in India's Northeast, a region increasingly viewed as a gateway to South and Southeast Asia.
According to the agency, the strategic highway projects are expected to improve interstate connectivity, reduce travel time and facilitate smoother movement of passengers and goods across the region.
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The projects are also expected to strengthen economic and trade linkages with neighbouring Bangladesh, particularly through the Dawki international border crossing, one of Meghalaya's key trade gateways.
JICA noted that better transport infrastructure is critical to unlocking the Northeast's economic potential by improving market access, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities.
Officials said the projects are aligned with broader efforts to integrate the Northeast more closely with national and international trade networks while improving access to remote and border areas.
The investment comes amid growing cooperation between India and Japan in the Northeast, where Tokyo has supported several infrastructure and connectivity initiatives in recent years.
Once completed, the upgraded road corridors are expected to improve logistics efficiency, enhance regional connectivity and contribute to sustainable economic growth in Meghalaya and the wider Northeast.
JICA said the projects would play a crucial role in supporting long-term development and strengthening the region's position within emerging trade and transport networks linking India with neighbouring countries.
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