Three Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funded highway projects worth Rs 15.92 billion (bn) were launched in Shillong, marking a push to position Meghalaya as a gateway for trade with Bangladesh. The schemes, part of six National Highway projects inaugurated by the Union Road Transport and Highways Minister on January 15, aim to strengthen cross border connectivity across Meghalaya, Assam and West Bengal. The investments form part of India’s Act East Policy and signal deeper international involvement in Northeast infrastructure. A central element is the Shillong–Dawki corridor on National Highway 106/206, which links the state with Bangladesh via the Tamabil border and includes a four lane stretch from Rilbong Junction to Pomlum. The upgrade is intended to ease congestion, improve road safety and speed the movement of goods and passengers to the international border. Officials said access to Dawki, a major trade and tourism gateway, will be significantly enhanced, supporting local commerce. The other JICA supported works cover nearly 63 km of National Highway 127B between the Dhubri–Phulbari bridge approach and Goeragre via Selsella in the Garo Hills. The NH 127B corridor ties into the under construction Dhubri–Phulbari bridge across the Brahmaputra, another JICA assisted project expected to reduce travel time between Assam and Meghalaya and to improve access to routes towards Bangladesh. JICA noted the projects are intended to lower vehicle operating costs, improve market access and raise trade volumes. Authorities said the works form part of the Northeast Road Network Connectivity Improvement Programme, through which Japan has become a significant regional partner. The investment is projected to support job creation, business opportunities and improved livelihoods for local communities and to strengthen Meghalaya’s strategic role in regional trade networks. Observers added that better roads could help transform the state into a critical economic corridor linking Northeast India with neighbouring countries.