New Delhi/Agartala, Dec 22 (NationPress) The High-Level Task Force on Infrastructure and Connectivity in the Northeastern region convened virtually on Monday to assess and accelerate the progress of existing projects, as reported by officials.

According to a Tripura government representative, the meeting concentrated on evaluating current initiatives, enhancing inter-state connections, and fast-tracking infrastructure development aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive growth throughout the Northeastern region, which includes eight states such as Sikkim.

In attendance were Union Minister for the Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, along with senior officials from all eight Northeastern states.

Post-meeting, Union Minister Scindia shared on his X account: "Today, I had a constructive meeting of the High Level Task Force on infrastructure, logistics, and connectivity led by the Hon'ble CM of Tripura, Shri Manik Saha ji. In alignment with Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji's vision of 'Act East, Act Fast and Act First', we established a strategic roadmap for positioning our Ashtalakshmi states as India's entry point to Southeast Asia."

The DoNER Minister highlighted that they also examined multimodal and digital connectivity to unveil new avenues for growth and progress in the Northeastern region.

Tripura's Chief Minister, who serves as the convener of the High-Level Task Force, stated on social media that the focus of the meeting was on assessing ongoing projects, enhancing inter-state connectivity, and fast-tracking infrastructure development to encourage sustainable and inclusive growth in the Northeastern Region.

A representative from the Mizoram government conveyed that during the meeting, Chief Minister Lalduhoma remarked on the strategic importance of the state for connectivity with Southeast Asian countries and emphasized the urgency of completing the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project in neighboring Myanmar.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma noted that railway connectivity has reached Sairang, close to Aizawl, and asserted that the rail line needs to be extended further into southern Mizoram.

He also stressed the importance of developing a robust National Highway up to Zorinpui. According to him, improved road connectivity between eastern and western Mizoram would significantly benefit border regions and underscored the need to enhance the Zokhawthar route.

He suggested that Sairang and Lawngtlai could serve as multimodal hubs.

Highlighting the necessity for durable infrastructure, CM Lalduhoma recommended that roads should ideally be constructed with concrete to ensure resilience during the monsoon season.

Further, he put forth several proposals aimed at enhancing connectivity and lowering logistics expenses in the Northeastern region.

Officials indicated that the Task Force is nearing the finalization of its report.

The DoNER ministry has established multiple High-Level Task Forces to pinpoint crucial interventions and develop actionable strategies for the integrated development of the North East Economic Corridor. These task forces were formed following the 72nd plenary session of the North-Eastern Council (NEC) held in Agartala last November, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.