Guwahati, Aug 8: A high-level task force (HLTF) on “Logistics, Infrastructure Connectivity in North Eastern Region” has decided to formulate a comprehensive infrastructure masterplan in a bid to bridge critical gaps in sectors such as highways, railways, waterways, airways, logistics and digital connectivity.
Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia participated in meeting chaired by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma chaired the meeting with members including Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu; Mizoram PHE and rural development minister Lalnilawma and Sikkim commerce and industries minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia, along with officials from the DoNER ministry.
The HLTF meeting discussed critical gaps in the region in the sectors before deciding to formulate the infrastructure masterplan, which will be developed in consultation with all the eight Northeastern states and central ministries, ensuring a collaborative approach to regional development.
The key points of discussion during the meeting included identification of state-specific bottlenecks and challenges, critical connectivity gaps and prioritised infrastructure needs, integration of state budgets and national investments for capital formation, and implementation roadmap for Viksit NER (North Eastern Region) 2047.
The DoNER minister outlined five suggestions for bridging infrastructure and connectivity gaps: (i) convergence of Northeastern Region infrastructure grid by preparing a regional master plan; (ii) establishment of a monitoring mechanism for priority projects for the region; (iii) policy push for multimodal logistic park by way of offering various tax and other concessions; (iv) boosting cross-border connectivity to promote international trade with neighbouring countries, and (v) enhancing digital connectivity and power transmission infrastructure.
Scindia further said all the infrastructure projects in the region should be mapped on the PM Gati Shakti Portal for better planning of future projects.
He urged the Northeast states to update their state logistics policy as per the metric prepared by the ministry based on the best practices throughout the country, preferably before the next NEC Plenary Session.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasised on the strategic importance of the North Eastern Region as gateway to the Southeast Asia.
He highlighted that, since 2014, the government has taken several steps to boost infrastructure connectivity in Northeast even as high transportation cost for goods still remains a major bottleneck that needs to be addressed.
Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu highlighted that owing to high geographical spread and sparse population distribution in Arunachal Pradesh, a large number of villages still lack road connectivity.
He suggested that the HLTF may explore providing connectivity to these villages through PMGSY and other relevant central government schemes.