Leapfrogging highway connectivity in the North-East Bharat in Amrit Kaal

With almost 250 ethnic tribes, diverse cultures and an abundance of natural resources, the Minister of External Affairs, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, is assured of the North East Bharat’s calibre to become India’s Gateway to South East Asia. This ambition was coupled with showcasing the ‘New Engine Growth of India’ through the Prime Minister Development Initiative for the North East Region (PM-DevINE) during the inaugural session of the 4th and last Business Meet in the northeast under India’s G20 Presidency. Constituting nearly 8% of Bharat’s geographical expanse, NER has frequently encountered slow strides towards realising its potential and working towards it. Development of NER is one of Bharat’s mission but growing its strategic importance in fostering international relations, facilitating trade connectivity, promoting commerce and driving cultural diplomacy is key. To achieve this vision, the magnanimous work of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in NER in Amrit Kaal has played a vital role.

On June 28, 2023, Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, announced that India is now in second position with road connectivity – thanks to our National Highway Network reaching 1.45 lakh kilometres. Out of which 8480 km have been of the North-East Region – Arunachal Pradesh with 1992 km, Assam with 2836 km, Manipur with 959 km, Meghalaya with 810 km, Mizoram with 927 kn, Nagaland with 494 km, Sikkim with 62 km and Tripura with 400 km – as reported by Ministry of Development by North Eastern Region.

NER has always faced challenges in implementing infrastructure development projects. In terms of connectivity, the slow progress of the North East Region can be narrowed down to mainly these factors: 1. Dense forests, rugged terrains and hilly ranges make projects like building roads, bridges and highways costly, complex and difficult to maintain. 2. Inadequate prevention and control measures from natural calamities like floods, landslides, etc., became a major reason for disruption in transportation, halting connectivity to certain areas. 3. Diplomatic differences with neighbouring countries also obstruct the progress and completion of these projects. 4. Restriction of movement and obstruction of the ongoing projects are a result of security breaches in some of the areas in the North East.

These challenges always existed but this is Amrit Kaal.

The government’s commitment to the North East Region encompasses a comprehensive strategy involving infrastructure development, collaborative efforts with neighbouring nations, disaster preparedness, technological innovation, and fortified security measures. Highlighting the initiatives undertaken, the Ministry of Development North Eastern Region reported substantial advancements since 2014. Under the aegis of various schemes like M/O DoNER and North Eastern Council (NEC), significant funding—₹ 821.56 crore for sanctioned road projects and ₹1293.65 crore for infrastructure development—has been allocated. Through the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North-East (SARDP-NE) to upgrade roads to national highways, feeder roads, and inter-state connectivity roads, a remarkable amount of Rs. 30,315 crore has been spent, including Arunachal Pradesh Package. The ambitious Bharatmala Pariyojana (BMP) has earmarked approximately 5301 km of road stretches for enhancement in the NER, with a significant portion—3246 km—dedicated to the development of Economic Corridors.

Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana has facilitated the construction of roads spanning 20,708km, costing ₹9033.76 crore, effectively connecting 3123 habitations in the North Eastern Region. Recent developments, as of August 10, 2023, witnessed the sanctioning of projects aimed at extending all-weather road connectivity to 18,098 habitations out of a total of 18,312 in the NER, further amplifying accessibility.

These projects cause a ripple effect of transformation. Right from empowering local businesses to fostering economic growth, facilitating trade across borders and bridging gaps in education, healthcare and communities. They not only unite North East Bharat but also create a more inclusive and resilient future.

Bharat finds herself in a transformative phase where the future of prosperity, progress and boundless opportunities in the North-Eastern Region is through road connectivity. Connectivity that paves the path to a vibrant, hopeful and empowered tomorrow.