The Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (MDoNER) has sanctioned ₹3,417.68 crore for 90 infrastructure projects under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) from the financial years 2021-22 to 2024-25. This significant investment aims to bolster the region’s connectivity and development.
A major portion of the funds is dedicated to road projects, with Assam emerging as the largest beneficiary, receiving ₹1,392 crore. Arunachal Pradesh follows with an allocation of ₹603.91 crore. The projects are executed by the respective state governments, while MDoNER ensures close monitoring at multiple levels.
To enhance project oversight, the ministry has established Field Technical Support Units (FTSU) in all eight Northeastern states. Additionally, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was introduced in February 2024 for engaging Project Quality Monitors (PQMs) and Third-Party Technical Inspection Units (TPTI). Projects worth up to ₹20 crore are inspected by PQMs, while larger projects are evaluated by government engineering colleges empanelled as TPTI agencies.
The NESIDS scheme operates under two components: NESIDS (Roads) and NESIDS Other Than Roads Infrastructure (OTRI). NESIDS (Roads) focuses on the development of roads, bridges, and auxiliary infrastructure. Meanwhile, NESIDS (OTRI) funds projects related to primary and secondary healthcare and education, water supply, solid waste management, industrial development, civil aviation, sports, and telecom, with project costs ranging from ₹5 crore to ₹50 crore.
The Ministry emphasizes equitable allocation, ensuring that all Northeastern states receive funding proportional to their needs and normative allocations. Minister of State for DoNER, Sukanta Majumdar, stated in the Lok Sabha that these initiatives aim to accelerate the region’s development and integrate it more effectively with the rest of the country.
