The central government has earmarked a substantial sum of Rs 8533 crore to strengthen connectivity through the development of rail, air, and road projects, in a major boost to the North Eastern regions infrastructure.
These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between the region and the rest of the country, fostering economic growth and providing improved transportation options for the masses.
Railway infrastructure projects, totaling 1909 km in length and valued at Rs.81,941 crore, are currently in progress in the North Eastern States.
A remarkable 482 km of these projects have already been commissioned, with an expenditure of Rs.37,713 crore incurred as of March 2023, reports Northeast Weekly.
The Ministry of Civil Aviations Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) has played a significant role in enhancing regional air connectivity across the nation.
In the North Eastern Region, airports at Rupsi, Tezu, Tezpur, Pasighat, Jorhat, Lilabari, Shillong, Pakyong, Itanagar, and Dimapur have been made operational, offering 64 new routes.
The region has witnessed an impressive increase in operational airports, rising from nine in 2014 to 16 at present. Moreover, the operationalization of the Advanced Landing Ground at Ziro has further added to the air transportation infrastructure.
The ongoing implementation of 13 major infrastructure works, valued at Rs.1543.70 crore, in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura is set to further bolster the aviation sector.
Not to be left behind, the North Eastern States are also witnessing significant road development under various schemes of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
A total of 261 road projects, with a cumulative sanctioned cost of Rs.1,02,594 crore, are currently underway, being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), and State Public Works Departments (PWDs).
These projects are expected to vastly improve the road infrastructure in the region, facilitating seamless movement of goods and people.
With these massive investments and infrastructure projects at different stages of planning, approval, and execution, the North Eastern States are on the path to enhanced connectivity and growth, promising a brighter future for the region.
