Champhai, Mizoram: The ambitious road and rail infrastructure projects in Mizoram, aiming to bolster connectivity to the international border with Myanmar, are encountering significant challenges. These projects, spearheaded by the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, represent one of the largest investments in the state’s history. However, they are not without their complications, including environmental concerns and human costs.
The primary focus is on constructing a major highway stretching 200 km from Champhai to the Myanmar border. This road, which meanders along the base of Mizoram’s rugged hills, has been subjected to extensive modifications involving earth movers, dynamite, and bulldozers. The highway’s development has been plagued by frequent delays due to unstable hillsides and debris clearance issues, leading to intermittent traffic disruptions. In parallel, Indian Railways is advancing its infrastructure by establishing a rail link from Cachar in Barak Valley to Aizawl. This project has involved significant alterations to the landscape, including deforestation and tunnel construction through mountainous regions. The scale of this undertaking has been underscored by a tragic incident in August of the previous year, where a girder collapse resulted in the deaths of 23 construction workers, highlighting the inherent risks associated with such demanding terrain.
Further compounding the situation, the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters became evident when a cyclone struck in May, causing widespread damage and fatalities, particularly in Aizawl. This event brought to light the precarious balance between development and environmental sustainability in the state. A senior Mizoram official, who requested anonymity, expressed concerns about the environmental repercussions of these infrastructure projects. “While development is essential, the environmental costs are substantial,” the official remarked.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, along with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, has been contacted for their perspectives on mitigating the environmental impacts of these projects. Responses from Tanmay Kumar of the Ministry of Environment and Mahmood Ahmed of the Road Transport Ministry are awaited and will be incorporated into future updates.
