Guwahati, August 8: The Union government will prepare a comprehensive Infrastructure Masterplan for the Northeast to bridge critical gaps in connectivity across highways, railways, waterways, airways, logistics, and digital networks, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia announced on Wednesday.
Speaking at a meeting of the High-Level Task Force (HLTF) on “Logistics, Infrastructure Connectivity in NER” in Guwahati, chaired by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Scindia said the masterplan would be framed in consultation with all eight northeastern states and central ministries to ensure a coordinated, long-term vision.
The meeting, attended by the chief ministers of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, senior ministers from Mizoram and Sikkim, and top DoNER officials, addressed state-specific bottlenecks and strategies to integrate local budgets with national investments under the “Viksit NER @ 2047” vision.
Sarma emphasised the Northeast’s strategic role as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, noting progress since 2014 but warning that high transportation costs remain a hurdle. He highlighted the fast-tracked Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, linking the region to Myanmar’s Sittwe Port.
Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu sought enhanced road connectivity to remote villages under PMGSY and more flights from Hollongi Airport, along with transforming the North Eastern Council into a NITI Aayog-style think tank.
Mizoram minister Prof. Lalnilawma flagged high logistics costs making local goods over 20% pricier and demanded improved digital connectivity, while Sikkim minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia urged for an alternative alignment to NH-10 and climate-resilient infrastructure to boost Nepal trade.
Scindia outlined five key measures — a regional masterplan, monitoring of priority projects, policy support for multimodal logistics parks, boosting cross-border trade connectivity, and enhancing digital and power infrastructure. He said all projects would be mapped on the PM GatiShakti portal for better coordination and urged states to update their logistics policies before the next NEC plenary.
Earlier this year, the Centre formed eight high-level task forces headed by chief ministers to address sectors from sports to agriculture, following a consensus at the 72nd NEC plenary in Agartala in December 2024.
