The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will provide the government with technical assistance for developing national highways in mountainous regions in Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. JICA has signed a technical cooperation agreement with the government for this purpose. The agreement will look at strengthening the institutional capacity of organisations engaged in developing road networks in mountainous terrains, such as the MoRTH, NHAI, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited and state public works departments. As part of JICA’s assistance, technical guidelines will be prepared for the design, development and management of road networks in mountainous regions, including tunnels, high-pier bridges, earthwork, slope protection and waterways for drainage.