The Government of India has underscored significant strides in infrastructure development and regional integration across the Northeast under the Act East Policy, describing connectivity as the cornerstone for economic growth and prosperity in the region.
The details were shared by Minister of State in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Dr Sukanta Majumdar, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. He stated that a cumulative expenditure of ₹6.11 lakh crore has been incurred between 2014–15 and 2024–25 under the 10% Gross Budgetary Support mechanism, against a total allocation of ₹6.02 lakh crore for the development of the Northeast Region (NER).
Highlighting the vision of the Act East Policy, the Minister said the initiative aims to strengthen economic cooperation, cultural engagement, and strategic partnerships with Southeast Asian countries and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Central to this policy is the enhancement of multi-dimensional connectivity—covering physical, digital, economic, and people-to-people linkages—to unlock the region’s growth potential.
Road connectivity sees major expansion
According to a PIB release, one of the key achievements under the policy has been the expansion of road infrastructure. The total length of National Highways in the Northeast has increased from 10,905 km in 2014 to 16,207 km as of March 31, 2025.
In addition, under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), a total of 46,296 km of rural roads have been constructed in the region over the past decade, with an expenditure of ₹47,279 crore. This has significantly improved rural connectivity, linking remote villages with markets, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.
Railway network strengthened
Rail connectivity has also witnessed a substantial boost, with budget allocations increasing sharply from an average of ₹2,122 crore annually during 2009–14 to ₹10,440 crore in the financial year 2025–26.
Several major railway projects are currently underway, including the Bhairabi–Sairang (51 km), Agartala–Sabroom (112 km), Agartala–Akhaura (5 km), Jiribam–Imphal (111 km), and Murkongselek–Pasighat (27 km) lines. These projects are expected to enhance inter-state connectivity and facilitate smoother movement of goods and passengers, further integrating the region with the national and international transport network.
Digital and Telecom connectivity expands
In the digital sector, the Government reported that as of December 2025, a total of 6,355 Gram Panchayats in the Northeast have been made service-ready for high-speed internet connectivity. Additionally, 3,718 mobile towers have been commissioned, covering 5,366 villages and locations under various government-funded initiatives.
These developments are seen as crucial in bridging the digital divide, promoting e-governance, and enabling access to online education, healthcare, and business opportunities in remote areas.
Boost to air connectivity under UDAN
Air connectivity in the region has been strengthened under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The scheme aims to make air travel affordable and improve regional connectivity.
Airports and heliports such as Pasighat, Tezu, Hollongi, Jorhat, Lilabari, Rupsi, Tezpur, Dimapur, Shillong, and Pakyong have been identified for development and operations under the scheme. So far, 90 routes have been operationalized in the Northeast, significantly improving accessibility and boosting tourism and trade.
Power sector strengthening
The power sector has also seen major investments, with hydroelectric projects totaling 5,796 MW capacity being taken up in the region. Key projects include the Subansiri Lower (2,000 MW), Dibang Multipurpose (2,880 MW), and Teesta Stage VI (500 MW).
Further, under the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project, transmission and distribution systems in six states—Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and Nagaland—are being upgraded at an estimated cost of ₹6,700 crore. Separate schemes worth ₹9,129.32 crore have also been sanctioned for Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
Expansion of inland waterways
Inland water transport has emerged as another important area of development. The number of National Waterways in the Northeast has increased from just one to 20, with an investment of ₹1,040 crore in various projects. These waterways are expected to provide cost-effective and eco-friendly transportation options, boosting trade and regional connectivity.
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Economic gains and strategic integration
Citing evaluation reports, the Minister said that investments under MDoNER schemes have resulted in tangible economic gains, including increased trade volumes, improved border infrastructure, and growth in exports. The development of border trade points and logistics hubs is further strengthening the region’s integration with national and global markets.
He added that enhanced infrastructure—especially in roads, power, and digital connectivity—is enabling remote areas to become part of larger economic value chains, thereby accelerating inclusive growth.
Focus on sustainability and inclusivity
The Government also emphasized that ecological sensitivity and sustainability remain key considerations in project implementation across the region’s fragile hilly terrain.
Initiatives in renewable energy, watershed management, afforestation, and climate-resilient infrastructure are being promoted under various schemes, including components supported by the North Eastern Council (NEC). These efforts aim to balance economic development with environmental conservation.
The Minister further noted that participatory governance, sustainability, and inclusive growth are guiding principles to ensure that infrastructure development benefits local communities without causing displacement or ecological stress.
Overall, the Centre maintained that the Act East Policy continues to serve as a transformative framework for unlocking the economic potential of the Northeast, strengthening regional connectivity, and positioning the region as a vital gateway to Southeast Asia.
