JICA to Support Major Road Projects in Sikkim with Estimated Cost of ₹1,440 Crore

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is set to support the construction of five major road projects in Sikkim with an estimated investment of ₹1,440 crore. After initial reluctance due to past project failures, JICA was persuaded by showcasing the successful Shindhuli Road Project in Nepal. Consequently, JICA has committed to sending an expert team to Sikkim for a month-long site study.

The Department of Roads & Bridges, Government of Sikkim, has submitted a Preliminary Project Report (PPR) for the upgradation of four road sections and one bridge, aimed at improving connectivity and enhancing road standards across various regions of Sikkim. This includes widening, upgradation, and carpeting of roads, along with the construction of a 2-lane bridge at Jalipool on the Ranipool-Pakyong road.

On September 5th, a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) met with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to discuss the proposed road infrastructure projects in the state. The JICA team, which visited Sikkim from September 4th to 6th, 2024, has shown interest in supporting five major road projects with an estimated cost of ₹1,440 crore. This initiative aims to improve connectivity and road standards in various regions of Sikkim.

The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) has already approved the proposal in its 135th meeting, with JICA’s potential funding subject to further project evaluations and adherence to guidelines set by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The government of Sikkim is optimistic that this collaboration with JICA will significantly boost infrastructure development in the region.