Government approves Khowai-Harina road expansion in Tripura

The Union Cabinet granted approval on Wednesday for the expansion of a 135 km segment of the Khowai-Harina road in Tripura, as confirmed by an official communique. The proposed infrastructure initiative commands an investment outlay of Rs 2,486.78 crore, encompassing a significant loan component of Rs 1,511.70 crore sourced from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under its Official Development Assistance (ODA) framework.

This project aims to improve the road connectivity within Tripura and offer an alternative passage to Assam and Meghalaya beyond the existing NH-8 route. Specifically, the initiative will transform the existing stretch of National Highway 208 from Khowai (km 101.300) to Harina (km 236.213), spanning 134.913 kilometres, into a two-lane road with paved shoulders.

Notably, the infrastructure development is expected to augment interstate connectivity between Assam and Tripura via NH-208A, resulting in reduced transit times and heightened safety for commuters. Additionally, the upgraded route's proximity to the Bangladesh border, facilitating improved connectivity through key checkpoints like Kailashahar, Kamalpur, and Khowai, is anticipated to stimulate land border trade activities.

The envisaged timeline for the project entails a two-year construction phase, followed by a maintenance period of either five years for flexible pavement or ten years for rigid pavement upon its completion.

(With PTI inputs)