Mapping of Optimum Freight Route by Using Hybrid VNS Algorithm to Sustain the Economic Viability of a Landslide Prone Area: A Case Study of Tripura

• Published in: National Academy science letters 2024-02, Vol.47 (1), p.103-109
• Main Authors: Debnath, Pradip, Roy, Stabak, Hore, Samrat, Mitra, Saptarshi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: History of Science; Humanities and Social Sciences; multidisciplinary; News/Views and Comments; Science; Science (multidisciplinary)
• ISSN: 0250-541X; 2250-1754
• DOI: 10.1007/s40009-023-01273-4

Tripura is one of the bordering states of Northeast India with huge strategic and trade potentiality. Unique physiographic structure and diversified socio-political features of the state play a divergent role in the development of highways. Due to its landlocked nature, Tripura has immense geostrategic value as the state shares 84% International Border with Bangladesh. The recent growth of highways in Tripura has positively supported the regional development of Northeast India. Yet the state economy was adversely affected during the heavy monsoon, when several landslides took place. The main objective of the study is to identify the intra-state highway connectivity of Tripura and propose the shortest alternative freight corridor for the sustainable economic development of Northeast India. To address objectives, an efficient search algorithm named hybrid VNS algorithm has been carried out and obtained an optimal route of intra-state highways connectivity. On the other hand, the road connectivity between Sabroom and Chittagong port (Bangladesh) and constructive geo-political relations between India and Bangladesh are the major sources of opportunities. The proposed alternative freight corridor may intervene in policy decisions for the future prospects of the region.