The 233rd Mid-Term Council Meeting of the Indian Road Congress (IRC) was held today at the Mizoram University Auditorium in Aizawl, with Chief Minister Lalduhoma inaugurating the event as Chief Guest. Also in attendance was Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs, Harsh Malhotra.
In his inaugural address, Chief Minister Lalduhoma underscored the urgent need to improve road connectivity in Mizoram, pointing out that the state’s road density stands at only 46.37 km per 100 sq. km, significantly lower than the national average of 116 km per 100 sq. km.
He described this disparity as a major infrastructure gap, particularly in a state with only one airport and a single railway line.
He noted that the demand for road connectivity is growing in both towns and villages, with communities increasingly recognizing roads as a key driver of development.
Given Mizoram’s hilly terrain and heavy rainfall, the Chief Minister proposed adopting rigid pavement technology for National Highways in the state.
While this method involves higher initial costs, it offers long-term durability and requires less maintenance, making it suitable for the region’s conditions.
Lalduhoma also stressed that National Highways in Mizoram should be considered strategic roads due to the state’s international borders, contributing not just to development but also to national security.
Raising concerns about environmental degradation caused by improper disposal of spoil banks during highway construction, he called for stricter regulation and better use of designated disposal sites.
He urged engineers to avoid unnecessary curves, premature reconstructions, and inadequate drainage systems. Instead, he emphasized the need for straight alignments, quality culverts, and sustainable construction practices to ensure safety and cost-efficiency.
Union Minister Harsh Malhotra described Mizoram as a picturesque and hospitable state and praised the Chief Minister’s forward-thinking approach. He assured that the Central Government remains committed to enhancing infrastructure in the Northeast, especially in border states like Mizoram.
He welcomed the proposal for the use of rigid pavement technology and said it would be considered positively. “Good roads are essential for trade and prosperity,” he said.
The meeting also featured remarks from Mizoram’s Minister for PWD Vanlalhlana, IRC President Prof. Manoranjan Parida, and IRC Secretary General Rahul Gupta.
PWD Secretary and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, K. Lalthawmmawia, delivered the welcome address.
Founded in 1934, the Indian Road Congress is India’s apex body for road engineering, responsible for setting standards in road, bridge, and tunnel infrastructure.
This is the fourth time Mizoram has hosted the IRC Mid-Term Council Meeting, signaling its increasing relevance in the country’s infrastructure planning.
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