The Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in India, Saito Mitsunori, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project. In a recent interview with PTI, Mitsunori highlighted the positive impact of the PM Gati Shakti plan on accelerating public works in India. The Chief Representative also discussed Japan’s interest in contributing to India’s border road networks and participating in transnational power transmission projects involving Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Mitsunori emphasized the improvements in project clearance timelines, attributing the positive changes to the official preparatory route within the government under the PM Gati Shakti plan. The streamlined assessments and progress monitoring have helped in mitigating delays and cost overruns.
As a key funding partner for India’s major infrastructure projects, including metro systems in Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi, JICA has been supportive of various initiatives in sectors like rural development and education. Mitsunori expressed excitement about the work progressing on all sections of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai High-Speed Corridor project, noting the Maharashtra government’s decision to initiate tendering works and the commencement of undersea tunneling between Mumbai and Thane.
In addition to the northeastern region, JICA expressed interest in collaborating on the construction of quality and resilient border roads in the Himalayan region. Mitsunori highlighted the need for knowledge transfer to enhance India’s road and transport network resilience, particularly in border areas.
Furthermore, JICA is keenly interested in funding power transmission projects connecting Nepal and Bhutan with Bangladesh. Mitsunori expressed eagerness to initiate discussions with the Government of India for joint initiatives, emphasizing the significance of countries getting connected for efficient power utilization.
In conclusion, the Chief Representative reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to engaging with regional countries in developing critical infrastructure projects and collaborating on joint initiatives for power connectivity networks.
Opinion:
The progress and positive impact of the PM Gati Shakti plan on infrastructure projects in India, as highlighted by Saito Mitsunori, are indicative of the country’s commitment to modernizing its transportation and energy networks. The collaborative efforts between JICA and India signify a promising future for the development of crucial infrastructure and power connectivity networks in the region.