Greater trade, connectivity

Celebrating three years in office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 26 inaugurated the Dhola Sadiya-Bridge in Assam. It is India's longest bridge, spanning 9.2 km across the Lohit River, which is a tributary of the Brahmaputra. In certain quarters of the media, there were false reports that the bridge is built across the Brahmaputra.

It's been 14 years since the bridge project was first approved by the National Democratic Alliance government in 2003 under then Prime Minister AB Vajpayee. Unfortunately, the project was subject to constant delays under subsequent governments, resulting is serious cost overruns. Estimates suggest that the cost of this project is around Rs 10,000 crore. Under the current ruling dispensation, however, which has emphasised on improving the state of infrastructure in the Northeast and increasing industrial investments with better border trade between the Northeast and South-east Asian countries under its Act East Policy, the project was completed. "In the last three years, the government has been working to realise Vajpayee's dream," Modi said. Reports indicate that the bridge will reduce travel time between Assam and inadequately connected Arunachal Pradesh from six hours to just one by shaving 165km off the on-road distance.

The lack of connectivity in the region has severely hampered development initiatives, and for a state like Arunachal Pradesh which does not have a functional airport, this bridge is a boon and will help connect the state to other parts of the country. With a three-lane carriageway, the bridge is expected to facilitate the process of constructing massive hydropower projects coming up in Arunachal Pradesh. Within policy circles, there is much talk of how the enormous hydropower potential in the State with its large rivers stood untapped due to poor connectivity. There is speculation that the bridge will facilitate the transport of heavy machinery for these hydro-power projects. Despite the stated benefits, it is also imperative to note that these power projects will face stiff resistance from local communities and environmentalists, considering how these dams could submerge massive tracts of forest and impede the flow of rivers. That debate, though, is for another time. Of course, this bridge could also significantly enhance tourism in the State, which has no functional airport. For the local population, especially from small towns and villages like Sadiya,

Chapakhowa, and other such places from the Dibang Valley, the bridge will provide greater connectivity with the city of Dibrugarh in Assam. During days of heavy showers, people from these places are often unable to cross river Lohit and make their way to the city of Dibrugarh. Boat and ferry trips are often suspended during these times, cutting off locals at a critical period. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had earlier claimed that the bring would also help military troops and artillery get to the Indo-China border quickly in times of conflict. This assertion is under a challenge from strategic experts who have argued that one Chinese airstrike could render the bridge unusable in such a situation. If Indian troops need to depend on a bridge to mobilise to the border, then there's something seriously wrong in the Chief Minister's assessment. Nonetheless, reports indicate that this bridge project will be followed by building a 2,000-km highway in the state at the cost of $6 billion.

Speaking to an audience in Shillong earlier this month, Prime Minister Modi said the Centre is trying to make the Northeast a gateway to Southeast Asia and has made massive investments for the same. "We have to make the Northeast a gateway for Southeast Asia," Modi said while adding that his government has initiated major infrastructure projects in the region, including an investment of Rs 40,000 crore to improve roads and highways, besides 19 major railway projects and improving the supply of electricity. Can the Modi government complete these projects on time and secure India's interests? Admittedly, this government has taken greater development initiatives in the region than previous incumbents with its 'Act East' policy. As part of its plan, the government aims to use states on India's eastern border to facilitate this process. To promote greater trade with Southeast Asia, the Centre and allied State governments must work towards the better development of our Northeastern states and its initiative in Manipur also point towards that direction. Sharing a 355 km-long border with Myanmar. Following bilateral talks in late August, both India and Myanmar signed key agreements for the construction of 69 bridges on the Tamu-Kalewa section of the trilateral highway connecting India, Myanmar, and Thailand and improvements on the Kalewa-Yargi section.

The trilateral highway will connect Moreh, located in the Chandel district of Manipur, to Mae Sot in Thailand via Myanmar. It was first proposed during the previous NDA regime in 2002. But construction of the trilateral highway only began in 2012. It is a real shame that this prestigious project remains incomplete. The NDA government's new-found impetus for the project may prove to be a boon for Manipur. Unfortunately, the State is beset with incompetent governance institutions, poor infrastructure and slow economic growth, allied with ethnic tensions and a strained relationship with the Indian Union. These are problems that even afflict states like Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. It's safe to suggest that these issues will require a political resolution, and merely constructing roads, bridges and dams will nearly not be enough.