Major Infra Projects Enhance Road, Rail, Air, and Water Transport in Northeast India

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 25th July. The Indian government has embarked on a series of ambitious infrastructure projects aimed at transforming the connectivity landscape in the North Eastern Region (NER). These initiatives span road, rail, air, and water transport sectors, reflecting a comprehensive approach to enhance regional integration and development.

Road Connectivity

The government’s focus on road infrastructure is evident through programs like SARDP-NE and Bharatmala-I. These efforts aim to bolster both intra-regional connectivity and linkages with the rest of India. As of May 2024, 78 km of National Highway road have been constructed in NER. With an expenditure of Rs 2,859 crore allocated for National Highways in the region during 2024-25, there is a clear commitment to advancing road infrastructure.

Air Connectivity

Significant strides have been made in air transport, with the number of airports increasing to 17 by 2023 from just 9 in 2013. The rise in traffic movement by 113% over the past decade underscores the growing connectivity. The UDAN scheme has been instrumental, awarding 194 routes (fixed wing and helicopter) in NER. This expansion aims to boost tourism, attract investments, and enhance ease of business operations in the region.

Rail Connectivity

Rail infrastructure in NER has received substantial attention, with 18 projects underway, including 13 new lines and 5 doubling projects. These projects cover a total length of 1,368 km, with an expenditure of Rs 74,972 crore. By March 2024, 313 km of this network had been commissioned. This development is crucial for improving both regional and national rail connectivity.

Waterway Connectivity

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has launched several projects under the Sagarmala program, totaling over Rs 1,000 crore, to enhance waterway connectivity in NER. The addition of 19 new waterways over the last decade and the development of six ferry terminals in Assam, valued at Rs 310 crore, are set to alleviate transportation bottlenecks. The Indo-Bangladesh Protocol on Inland Water Transit & Trade (PIWT&T) has expanded waterway routes from 8 to 10, facilitating significant cargo movement.

Development Schemes and Packages

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) is also actively involved, implementing various schemes like NESIDS-Road and Special Packages for Assam’s autonomous councils. Since inception, 1,980 projects worth Rs 23,240.78 crore have been sanctioned, focusing on improving connectivity and overall infrastructure in NER.

Conclusion

The multifaceted approach towards infrastructure development in NER demonstrates a concerted effort to integrate the region better with the rest of India and enhance its economic prospects. Through investments in road, rail, air, and water transport, the government aims to foster growth, improve connectivity, and drive regional prosperity.