Aizawl, Oct 31: A joint delegation representing the Chakma community on Thursday urged the Centre to construct a two-lane National Highway linking Mizoram with Tripura to boost regional connectivity and development.

The team submitted a representation to Union Minister Jitendra Singh during his visit to Silsury in Mamit district, where he was campaigning for the November 11 Dampa assembly by-election. The delegation was led by Tripura minister Santana Chakma.

According to Chakma district BJP president Durjya Dhan Chakma, the proposed highway would connect Khantlang in Tripura with Zochachhuah in Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district, integrating with NH-502A a key component of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) that links India with Myanmar.

The proposed route, covering Khantlang-Rajivnagar-Silsury-Marpara-Haulongsora-Samuksury-Matrisora-Demagiri-Borapansury-Kamalanagar-Longpuighat-Parva-Zochachhuah, passes through some of the most remote and underdeveloped areas of Mizoram.

The project is expected to enhance border trade, strengthen national security, and promote socio-economic growth in the Chakma, Lai, and Mizo-inhabited regions of Mamit, Lunglei, and Lawngtlai districts, including the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC).

The delegation sought Singh’s intervention for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to approve the project under the Central Road Infrastructure or National Highway Development Programme. Once implemented, the proposed road is expected to provide a crucial transport link and foster stronger national integration in south-western Mizoram.