Mizoram to Centre: "Upgrade Our Roads, Secure Our Borders"

K Vanlalvena, the lone Rajya Sabha member from Mizoram, has urged the Centre to fast-track three key road infrastructure projects, including two strategic routes enhancing connectivity between India and Myanmar.

He called for the designation of two important stretches connecting Hnahthial to Saisihchhuah in Lawngtlai district as National Highways. These routes pass through villages such as Tarpho, Cherhlun, Thingsai, Sangau, South Vanlaiphai, and Pangkhua before terminating at the Myanmar border.

Vanlalvena pointed out the infrastructure gap along the border, noting that Myanmar completed a double-lane highway from Hakha in Chin State to Saisihchhuah on the Indo-Myanmar border in 2020. Although Saisihchhuah has been notified as an official border haat by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, inadequate road connectivity on the Indian side continues to restrict large-scale trade and economic activity.

He emphasised that upgrading these routes to National Highway status is crucial for advancing the objectives of India’s Act East Policy, strengthening border security, and promoting economic growth among Mizoram’s tribal communities.

In addition, the MP highlighted growing congestion along the 21-km Aizawl–Sairang corridor following the inauguration of the Sairang railway station. He noted that National Highway 6 (formerly NH-54) is unable to handle the rising traffic volume and urged the Centre to upgrade the stretch to a four-lane highway to ease bottlenecks and support the state’s expanding logistics and transport needs.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.