India's Massive Push To Transform North East Connectivity

The North East of India is experiencing a monumental transformation with extensive road infrastructure development, aimed at revolutionizing socio-economic opportunities, connectivity, and trade. The Indian government's dedicated efforts have led to the construction of 9,984 kilometers of National Highways in the North Eastern Region, fostering stronger trade relations and strategic alliances, and promising a brighter future.

The North East of India is witnessing a remarkable transformation with a surge in road infrastructure development, a move set to revolutionize socio-economic prospects, connectivity, and trade in the region.

The Indian government has been on a steadfast journey over the last decade to bolster the road network in the North Eastern Region (NER), culminating in the construction of an impressive 9,984 kilometers of National Highways (NHs) with an investment exceeding Rs 1,07,504 crore.

In a recent announcement, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) underscored the strides made and the ongoing endeavors to elevate road connectivity in the NER. A notable commitment has been made by allocating 10% of the national budget explicitly for the development of roads in this region.

These concentrated efforts to expand the road infrastructure in the NER are not only bridging internal gaps but are also opening up gateways to neighboring nations, thereby fortifying trade relationships and strategic alliances.

This strategic vision aims at integrating the North East region more harmoniously with the rest of the country, leveraging its unique geographical and strategic positioning to the maximum advantage.

The completion of these ambitious projects is projected to be a game-changer for the socio-economic landscape of the NER, bringing remote and rural areas closer to mainstream economic activities while amplifying opportunities in tourism and trade.

According to a report by the Financial Express, there are currently 265 additional national highway projects underway, spanning 5,055 kilometers, with an estimated investment totaling Rs 1,18,894 crore.

Various ongoing projects and government initiatives are propelling the advancement of road infrastructure in the NER, including:

The Bharatmala project is dedicated to enhancing existing infrastructure efficiency, promoting multi-modal integration, bridging infrastructure gaps for seamless movement, and linking national and economic corridors. In the NER, it encompasses 2,767 kilometers of NHs with a total investment of Rs 64,319 crore. To date, 272 kilometers have been successfully completed, with expenditures amounting to Rs 5,462 crore.

Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North East (SARDP-NE) is a pivotal initiative focused on upgrading NHs to 2/4 lanes, especially those connecting state capitals, district headquarters, and remote regions. The program, including the Arunachal Package, has sanctioned 5,468 kilometers of roadwork with an investment of Rs 63,542 crore. Presently, 3,699 kilometers have been completed, costing Rs 38,160 crore.

National Highways Development Project (NHDP) Phase-III, 110 kilometers of NHs have been developed in the NER, contributing significantly to the region's overall road infrastructure enhancement.

The Trans-Arunachal Highway, spanning 1,077 kilometers from Tawang to Kanubari, stands as a critical project for the region. Sanctioned at Rs 11,643 crore, 815 kilometers of this highway have been completed, with an expenditure of Rs 8,708 crore.

The Frontier Highway is a major initiative aimed at advancing connectivity in border regions. Comprising 41 projects totaling 1,498 kilometers and a combined cost of Rs 29,562 crore, this initiative receives funding from various ministries, including MoRTH, the Ministry of Defence, and the Central Road & Infrastructure Fund.

The significant progress in road infrastructure development in the North East heralds a new era of growth, prosperity, and interconnectedness for the region, promising a brighter and more vibrant future for its inhabitants and businesses alike.