In a significant stride towards bolstering infrastructure development in the Northeastern region of India, the current financial year (2023-24) has witnessed substantial sanctioning of projects under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) Roads, alongside other schemes administered by the North Eastern Council (NEC). The latest details, presented by the Minister of State of Development of North Eastern Region, Shri B.L. Verma, reveal a comprehensive roadmap for infrastructural growth across various states in the region.
A total of nine projects amounting to Rs. 522.80 crore have received sanctions under NESIDS Roads via the North Eastern Council (NEC). Furthermore, a separate project valued at Rs. 2.10 crore has been sanctioned under other NEC schemes, as outlined in Annexure-I.
Specifically focusing on Assam, a total of eight projects, including two under the NEC Schemes and six under NESIDS (Roads), have been recommended for selection during this fiscal year. Out of these, two NESIDS (Roads) projects with an aggregate cost of Rs. 164.93 crore have already secured sanctioning, marking a significant milestone in infrastructure development within the state.
Each of the sanctioned projects, spanning different states within the Northeast, is currently in its preparatory stages. These projects are set to receive and efficiently utilize the allocated funds in line with their planned execution strategies.
Highlighting some of the key projects in various states, the initiatives include road infrastructure enhancement and construction ventures vital for connectivity and tourism development. In Arunachal Pradesh, projects such as road improvement and realignment from Nafra to Nakhu Village, construction of roads in Tawang and East Kameng districts, emphasize the region’s commitment to improving accessibility and fostering tourism prospects.
Assam’s proposed projects involve substantial road improvement and widening measures, including the enhancement of interstate roads bridging Assam and Meghalaya. Manipur and Tripura, too, are seeing projects focusing on road construction, upgrades, and the development of crucial bridges.
Moreover, in a bid to support livelihoods in the region, there’s a notable initiative for the procurement of prototypes of Bamboo Processors, aiming to advocate and promote appropriate technologies that enhance the lives of people in the Northeast.
The infusion of substantial funds into these infrastructure projects underlines the government’s commitment to fostering growth and development in the Northeast, fostering connectivity, boosting tourism, and creating employment opportunities. Such initiatives play a pivotal role in propelling the region toward holistic socio-economic advancement while ensuring sustainable and inclusive development across its diverse landscapes.