Road Project Near Myanmar Faces Cancellation, Mizoram Govt Writes to Centre

The Mizoram government has written to the Centre that the construction of a strategic road project linking Myanmar and Mizoram, which is planned as a counter to a Chinese government-funded double lane road in neighboring Myanmar, faces cancellation as the funds have lapsed. The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) had sanctioned ₹66 crore for the construction of the road and awarded the contract to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) more than two years ago.

However, even after 26 months, the BRO has not yet completed any construction on the road. The Ministry of DoNER is now planning to withdraw the sanction, and the Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has requested the Centre to hand over the project to the State Public Works Department if the BRO is not able to complete the construction. The letter also sought disciplinary action against the BRO officials responsible for the lapse as the road is considered vital for national security.

“It may be mentioned here that the Myanmar government had already completed construction of a double lane road on the Myanmar side up to the Mizoram border at Saisih Chhuah from the capital of Chin state Hakha, Myanmar three years ago with financial sanction by the Government of China,” the letter to Defence Secretary said.

The letter sought disciplinary action against BRO officials responsible for the lapse as “this border road is not only very important for the Mizoram tribal people but also vital in the interest of national security.”

The Rajya Sabha member told The Hindu that after Myanmar built the road with the help of the Chinese government, all kinds of vehicles could reach right up to the Mizoram border.

“The Mizoram government has constructed a small road, which is single lane, non-metal and not an all-weather road. The Chief Minister has requested the Centre to hand over the project of the strategic road to the State PWD if the BRO is not able to complete the construction,” Mr. Vanlalvena said.

Source: The Hindu