Guwahati: Assam has the highest number of National Highway projects in the Northeastern states, with the longest road length currently under construction, valued at Rs 39,239 crore. These projects have either been completed during 2024-25 or approved but are yet to commence.
According to recent data, Arunachal Pradesh has two projects covering 815 km with a cost of Rs 8,035 crore, while Nagaland, Manipur, and Tripura have fewer projects and shorter road lengths in comparison. The data reveals that Assam has the largest number of ongoing projects and the highest total investment, while Arunachal Pradesh has slightly fewer ongoing projects but a massive future investment plan.
Assam has the highest funds allocated for the development and maintenance work on National Highways, amounting to Rs 5,329 crore. Arunachal Pradesh has been allocated Rs 3,488 crore, followed by Nagaland (Rs 1,227 crore), Manipur (Rs 1,508 crore), and Tripura (Rs 514 crore).
The completion of National Highway projects is dependent on various factors, including the availability of encumbrance-free land, forest clearance, environment clearance, utility shifting, working season, and contractor’s financial position. All under-construction National Highway projects in the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Tripura are scheduled to be completed by 2028.
To address challenges and prevent delays in executing National Highway projects in the Northeastern states, measures have been taken, including streamlining land acquisition, regular review at various levels, expediting approval of change of scope and extension of time proposals, and close coordination with all stakeholders, including state governments.
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