A high-level task force (HLTF) focused on “Logistics and Infrastructure Connectivity in the North Eastern Region” met in Guwahati on August 8, deciding to create a comprehensive infrastructure masterplan to address key gaps in highways, railways, waterways, airways, logistics, and digital connectivity. The Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, attended the meeting, which was chaired by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Other participants included Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Mizoram’s PHE and Rural Development Minister Lalnilawma, and Sikkim’s Minister for Commerce and Industries Tshering Thendup Bhutia, along with officials from the DoNER ministry.
The discussions during the HLTF meeting identified critical connectivity issues within these regions. The infrastructure masterplan will be collaboratively developed with input from all eight Northeastern states and relevant central ministries. Key areas of focus included pinpointing state-specific obstacles, recognizing essential infrastructure requirements, aligning state budgets with national investment efforts, and establishing a roadmap for developing the North Eastern Region by 2047.
Scindia presented five recommendations to bridge the identified infrastructure and connectivity gaps. These included preparing a regional master plan to unify the Northeast’s infrastructure grid, setting up a monitoring mechanism for priority regional projects, advocating for multinational logistics parks through tax concessions, enhancing cross-border connectivity to foster international trade, and improving digital connectivity and power transmission networks. He also emphasized that all infrastructure projects in the region should be integrated into the PM Gati Shakti Portal for better strategic planning.
The Minister encouraged states in the Northeast to refresh their logistics policies according to metrics developed by the ministry, ideally before the next North Eastern Council (NEC) Plenary Session. Sarma stressed the strategic significance of the Northeastern Region as a gateway to Southeast Asia, noting that since 2014, the government has implemented various measures to enhance infrastructure connectivity. Nevertheless, he pointed out that high transportation costs for goods remain a significant hurdle.
Khandu highlighted that in Arunachal Pradesh, the vast geographical spread and sparse population have left many villages without road access. He suggested that the HLTF explore avenues for connecting these villages through the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and other relevant government schemes.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/08/08/task-force-to-formulate-comprehensive-infrastructure-masterplan-for-ne/
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Publish Date: 2025-08-08 19:27:00
