The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved infrastructure projects worth Rs 5000 Crore, including the construction of a 4,556-meter, six-lane cable-stayed bridge across the Ganga in Bihar and the widening of a 134.9 km road in Tripura. The Bihar project, estimated at Rs 3,064.45 crore, aims to improve connectivity between north and south Bihar. The decisions underscore the government's focus on infrastructure fostering socio-economic growth. The Cabinet's comprehensive approach aligns with the broader vision of economic development, improved connectivity, and strategic partnerships, reflecting a commitment to holistic progress.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) granted approval for several crucial decisions, including infrastructure projects and a migration and mobility pact between India and Italy. The CCEA greenlit the construction of a 4,556-meter cable-stayed bridge across the Ganga in Bihar and the widening of a 134.9 km road in Tripura.
Additionally, the meeting saw the signing of the migration and mobility agreement with Italy aimed to enhance people-to-people contacts, facilitate mobility for students and professionals, and strengthen cooperation on irregular migration. The Cabinet also set a higher minimum support price (MSP) for copra, ensuring better remunerative returns for coconut growers. The decision aligns with the government's focus on infrastructure development and international collaborations.
The infrastructure projects, at a combined investment of about Rs 5,000 crore, are very significant for the overall development of the region. One project involves the construction of a 4,556-meter, six-lane cable-stayed bridge across the Ganga, connecting Digha and Sonepur (NH-139W) in Bihar. Estimated at Rs 3,064.45 crore, the project aims to improve connectivity between north and south Bihar, fostering socio-economic growth. The implementation will follow engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) mode, incorporating advanced technologies for quality assurance, with completion expected in 42 months.
The next project involves the improvement and widening of a 134.9 km stretch of NH 208 from Khowai to Harina in Tripura. This two-lane road project, with paved shouldering, entails an investment of Rs 2,486.78 crore, including a loan component of Rs 1,511.70 crore from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The initiative seeks to enhance road connectivity in Tripura, providing alternative access to Assam and Meghalaya and generating economic opportunities in tribal and rural areas. This aligns with the government's focus on enhancing regional connectivity and fostering economic development in the north-eastern states.
In addition to these key decisions, the Cabinet also gave the nod to the opening of a Consulate General of India in Auckland, New Zealand. Furthermore, it was apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Prasar Bharati and Radio Televisyen Malaysia, the Public Service Broadcaster of Malaysia. This MoU aims to promote cooperation in public broadcasting in the field of radio and television, fostering cultural and media exchange between the two nations.
In conclusion, the Cabinet's decisions reflect a comprehensive approach to infrastructure development, international collaborations, and support for agricultural sectors. These initiatives align with the government's broader vision of fostering economic growth, connectivity, and strategic partnerships.