National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDC) has awarded an INR 6.3 billion (US$ 75 million) contract to IRCON International for the construction of 2.5 km twin tunnels of the Aizawl Bypass project in Mizoram, India.

The upcoming Aizawl Bypass project on national highway NH-6 includes the construction of a 2-lane twin tunnel, along with a 2.1 km approach road, as part of Package 2. This bypass, spanning 34.5 km, will link Sairang and Phaibawk villages and will feature 10 major bridges and 1 minor bridge. The tunnel section's construction was sanctioned by the Central Government on January 4, 2024, with an estimated cost of INR 13 billion (US$ 157 million). The tunneling process will involve drilling and blasting techniques, without the use of tunnel boring machines (TBMs). The primary objectives of this bypass are to alleviate congestion within Aizawl city on NH-6, bypass densely populated areas, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance road safety within the city limits. The project aims to ensure smooth traffic flow, avoiding urban hindrances, thus reducing the distance between Sairang and Phaibawk by 22 km and cutting travel time by 1.5 hours.

NHIDC initiated the bidding process for Package 2's construction in October 2023, with an estimated construction cost of INR 8.9 billion (US$ 107 million) and a deadline of 36 months (3 years). Technical bids were opened in early February, revealing 17 bidders.