Mizoram Lawmaker Presses for Swift Highway Upgrades Before Monsoon Onset.

Mizoram's sole representative in the Lok Sabha, Richard Vanlalhmangaiha, has made a strong appeal to the central government to expedite the ongoing construction and improvement of national highways across the state, particularly those being undertaken by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), before the arrival of the monsoon season. This was conveyed during a meeting the MP held with the Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Ajay Tamta, in New Delhi on Wednesday, according to an official statement released on Thursday.

During the meeting, Richard Vanlalhmangaiha specifically urged the Union Minister to intervene and ensure that NHIDCL prioritizes the repair and enhancement of critical highways throughout Mizoram. He emphasized the urgent need for these works to be completed before the onset of the heavy monsoon rains, which typically disrupt transportation and can further damage road infrastructure in the region.

A key focus of his appeal was the vital National Highway - 6/306, which connects Vairengte and Sairang. This highway, a crucial artery for Mizoram that links the state capital Aizawl with Silchar town in neighboring Assam, is considered the lifeline of the state. The MP implored Minister Tamta to take immediate steps to improve as much of this stretch as possible before the monsoon season commences.

Furthermore, recognizing the high rainfall experienced in Mizoram, Richard Vanlalhmangaiha also advocated for the conversion of as many highways as feasible into concrete (rigid) pavements. He argued that this would significantly enhance the durability and longevity of the roads, making them more resilient to the challenging weather conditions prevalent in the state.

The official statement noted that Minister of State Ajay Tamta responded positively to the Mizoram MP's concerns and assured him of all possible assistance from the central government in addressing these critical infrastructure needs.