Union Minister for the Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, praised the rapid growth in the Northeast under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership. He specifically highlighted the significant strides made in infrastructure development, showcasing the region’s impressive transformation. Let’s break it down:
Impressive growth of National Highways and Railways
Scindia noted that the Northeast has seen an extraordinary increase in its national highways network, with over 16,000 kilometres now in place—compared to just 10,000 kilometres previously. He stressed that this rapid expansion, with 5,500 kilometres of highways built in the last 10 years, demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving connectivity. Additionally, the pace of railway construction has more than tripled, from about 6.5 kilometres per month to over 19 kilometres per month. Over 2,000 kilometres of new railway tracks have been added in the last decade.
Boost to Civil Aviation and Waterways Expansion
In terms of air travel, Scindia highlighted a significant growth in the region’s connectivity. The number of airports has increased from 9 to 17 in recent years, and air traffic has doubled. In addition, the expansion of waterways in the Northeast has seen a remarkable increase, from just one waterway to 20, providing more transportation options for the region.
Northeast’s Economic Transformation
According to Scindia, the Northeast is now one of the fastest-growing regions in India, with annual growth rates of 9.5% to 11%. This is significantly higher than the national average of 6.5% to 7.5%. The Union Minister emphasized that the region has already transformed into India’s growth engine, with an influx of investments, including a semiconductor factory being established in Assam with an investment of ₹27,000 crore.
‘Vibrant Villages’ Vision and Global Connectivity
Scindia also praised PM Modi’s vision of transforming remote areas into “vibrant villages,” aiming for comprehensive development in border areas, including those along India’s northeast borders with China. He noted the government’s commitment to ensuring the development of these areas through increased ministerial visits and infrastructure improvements.
(With ANI Inputs)