North-Eastern states need better connectivity, infrastructure
With better connectivity and infrastructure, the north-eastern states in India would be able to attract faster economic growth, opined Planning Commission Deputy Montek Singh Ahluwalia. He believes that the current connectivity including rail, air, and road in this part is not in accord with the requirement that has been noticed in this region.
East Asia exhibits immense growth potential in the world
The major focus of high economic growth is being largely on the eastern part of Asia. Ample growth is expected in the eastern states, and thereby the north-eastern states tend to look forward for improved connectivity and infrastructure development. Over the next two decades, there would be a dramatic change in the economic growth level in this region, said Mr. Ahluwalia, at a session during a two-day long North-East festival.
He also said that good connectivity in this open economy will make the region quite a central part of connectivity of India with the Eastern part of the World. He strongly believes that, compared all other regions of the world, growth is going to be higher in the Eastern Asia.
It is true that significant improvement in terms of connectivity and infrastructure has been made so far in the north eastern states. But looking at the future growth potential of this part, it is clear that more improvement needs to be done.
Improvements required in Bangladesh too
The surface connectivity between the north-east India and Bangladesh is also being developed, revealed Oscar Fernandes, Union road transport and highways minister.
A bridge is planned to be built over the Feni River in southern Tripura’s border town Sabroom, to get access of the Chittagong international sea port, he added. The Chittagong port in southeast Bangladesh is only 75 km away from Sabroom, 135 km south of Agartala. The Union Commerce Ministry will be providing funds required for the construction of bridge.
Projects proposed
The double-laning of the National Highway 44, which is the prime source of connectivity for Tripura with the rest of the country, is also in progress. The central minister has already laid the foundation for this work.
Another national highway is proposed to be developed between Tripura-Assam and rest of the northeastern region, said the minister. The Tripura government will be responsible to arrange land required for the stretch.
A meeting held for Chief Ministers of North-Eastern states
The Planning Commission has planned a meeting on January 20, 2014, in the nation’s capital Delhi. All the Chief Ministers of North-Eastern states are likely to attend the meeting to discuss the progress of infrastructure development in the region. The meeting is planned to be chaired by the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh.
For the first time ever in the nation, that the issue of connectivity and development of power will be discussed at such a high-level meeting. The main agenda will be towards the full exploitation of hydropower in the North-East.
It is also being planned that a conference will be held at Guwahati, in which all Chief Ministers of the Northeastern states will be invited, said Deputy Chairman. Discussions will be held on boosting the role of private sector participation in India for the development of the north-eastern region.
