Aizawl: Minister of State for Road, Transport & Highways Harsh Malhotra in June said that Northeast India has witnessed a remarkable infrastructure transformation over the past 11 years with the construction of nearly 10,000 km of National Highways, built at a cost of over Rs 1.07 lakh crore, significantly improving connectivity to remote and border areas.

Addressing the 233rd Mid-Term Council Meeting of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) at the Mizoram University Campus, Malhotra underscored that Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains firmly committed to the development of the Northeastern region, and infrastructure would be the key driver toward fulfilling the PM’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

“Infrastructure is not just about concrete and steel; it is the foundation of economic growth, the pathway to prosperity, and the symbol of the Prime Minister’s vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047, which is rooted in building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive nation,” said the Minister.

Highlighting the socio-economic impact of connectivity, he noted that a strong road network brings tangible prosperity to the region. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, State Minister Vanlalhlana, and Member of Parliament Richard Vanlalhmangaiha were also present at the meeting.

Malhotra stated that in the last 11 years, the length of National Highways in India has increased by over 60 per cent — from 91,000 km in 2014 to approximately 1.47 lakh km today. He stressed the importance of adopting globally proven technologies and the urgent need to reduce construction costs without compromising on quality.

The Minister also called for a shift towards sustainable development, highlighting the necessity of eco-friendly methodologies and cutting-edge practices in road construction. He praised the Indian Roads Congress for evolving into a multi-dimensional organisation committed to improving the quality of roads in India, with participation from Central and state governments, the Engineering Services of the Army, and the Border Roads Organisation.

Malhotra noted that all National Highway construction is carried out in accordance with the standards set by the Government for Road and Bridge Works, as well as the codes, guidelines, and special publications issued by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC), ensuring both quality and safety.