An important milestone in India-Guyana relations was marked today as President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali officially commissioned Phase I of the East Coast-East Bank Road linkage.
This is a vital infrastructure project aimed at transforming Guyana’s transport landscape. The Ogle to Eccles section, partly financed by the Government of India, underscores a growing development partnership between the two nations.
The project is backed by a concessional Line of Credit worth $50 million from India, with Indian firm Ashoka Buildcon handling construction and RITES Limited overseeing project supervision. It is being implemented under India’s Development Partnership initiative, led by the Ministry of External Affairs.
India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, conveyed greetings to the government and people of Guyana on this occasion, reaffirming India’s commitment to supporting Guyana’s growth.
He emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations, describing it as built on “mutual trust and shared values,” while also echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas — a call for inclusive growth through collective effort.
The newly inaugurated road segment is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve access between the East Coast and East Bank corridors, and catalyze economic activity in a rapidly expanding commercial zone. President Ali described the project as a key piece of Guyana’s broader infrastructure agenda.
“This is not just about laying asphalt. It’s about laying the foundation for progress,” President Ali said. “The road is about our ambition, not cast in stone and asphalt; it is about progress poured and paved; it is about our vision translated into reality.”
Future extensions of the road will link to the Demerara Harbour Bridge and beyond, creating seamless traffic flows from Region Three to Region Four — an alternative for commuters aiming to bypass Georgetown.
India’s involvement in the project signals more than just financial cooperation — it reflects a strategic and people-centric approach to diplomacy.
As President Ali noted, several additional connections are in the pipeline, including one alongside the planned Silica City and a floating foundation to minimize environmental impact.
India’s support for such infrastructure projects aligns with its broader foreign policy objective of nurturing development through partnerships rather than prescriptions. The collaboration on the East Coast-East Bank Road is expected to open doors for future cooperation in areas like technology, health, education, and renewable energy.
India’s role in this landmark project has not only contributed to tangible improvements in Guyanese infrastructure but has also reinforced a robust bilateral relationship that continues to evolve with shared goals and mutual respect at its core.
