Mizoram MP Advocates for National Highway Status on Border Roads
K Vanlalvena, the sole Rajya Sabha member from Mizoram, made a compelling appeal to the Central government during Thursday's Parliament session. He urged the declaration of two crucial roads along the Mizoram-Myanmar border as national highways, emphasizing their strategic importance for regional development and national security.
Details of the Proposed Roads
Speaking in the Zero Hour, Vanlalvena specifically highlighted the need to upgrade the following routes:
- The Hnahthial–Tarpho–Khawhri–Cherhlun–Thingsai–Bualpui H–Saisihchhuah road.
- The Hnahthial–Tuipui D–Darzo–Vanlaiphai–Sangau–Pangkhua–Saisihchhuah road.
Both roads are situated in South Mizoram's Lawngtlai district and serve as vital connectors to Myanmar, facilitating cross-border interactions and economic activities.
Myanmar's Infrastructure Progress
Vanlalvena informed the House that the Myanmar government has already completed the construction of a double-lane road from Hakha, the capital of Chin State, up to Saisihchhuah, a border village in Mizoram. This development underscores the growing infrastructure on the other side of the border, making it imperative for India to match these efforts to maintain connectivity and trade efficiency.
Current Status and Challenges
The MP noted that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has designated Saisihchhuah as a border haat, or mini border trade centre. However, he pointed out a significant gap: the border roads have not yet been linked to this trade village. This disconnect hampers the full utilization of the border haat, limiting its potential to boost local economies and cross-border commerce.
Strategic Benefits of the Proposal
Vanlalvena articulated several key advantages if the roads are constructed and declared national highways:
- Implementation of Act East Policy: This move would align with the Centre's Act East Policy, aimed at enhancing economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations.
- National Security Enhancement: Improved infrastructure along the border would bolster surveillance and security measures, crucial for safeguarding India's northeastern frontier.
- Economic Upliftment: The development would significantly benefit the tribal communities in Mizoram by creating new trade opportunities, improving access to markets, and fostering regional economic growth.
Additional Infrastructure Demand
Beyond the border roads, Vanlalvena also emphasized the urgent need to widen the Aizawl–Sairang road into a four-lane highway. He highlighted that vehicular traffic has surged substantially following the inauguration of the Sairang railway station, making the current road infrastructure inadequate and necessitating an upgrade to accommodate the increased flow and support further regional development.
