Aizawl, Oct 28 (NationPress) In the third assembly of the High-Level Task Force focused on the North East Economic Corridor, discussions were held regarding the connectivity routes linking Bangladesh with the northeastern states and the enhancement of the India–Myanmar–Thailand transport corridor, officials reported on Tuesday.

A senior representative from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) revealed that Mizoram's Chief Minister, Lalduhoma, presided over the third virtual meeting of this Task Force on Monday.

State Planning Secretary Lalmalsawma Pachuau provided a comprehensive overview of the significant points addressed and the advancements made in the previous two Task Force meetings.

As per the CMO official, key topics included the creation of essential connectivity corridors between Bangladesh and the northeastern states and the bolstering of the India-Myanmar-Thailand transport corridor.

The assembly also examined the evolution of Guwahati as a central hub with improved helicopter connectivity among the northeastern states, enhancements to vital inland waterways, upgrades to railway connectivity throughout the region, and the exploration of electric train services aimed at reducing travel expenses.

Further discussions revolved around the improvement and expansion of internet services, the development and modernization of border trade facilities, and initiatives to enhance branding and marketing of products from the Northeastern region, among other significant proposals.

The official indicated that the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) encompasses over 6,829 Track Kilometres (TKM).

“Ambitious rail connections are being established to previously isolated state capitals, such as Mizoram, Manipur, Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh. These links will integrate remote regions into national supply chains, while multimodal logistics hubs are being planned to ensure smooth cargo movement and passenger services throughout the area,” the official elaborated.

Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with ministers from various northeastern states, took part in the virtual meeting.

Participants committed to finalizing the Task Force's report shortly, as indicated by the official statement.

The DoNER ministry established several High-Level Task Forces to pinpoint critical interventions and devise actionable strategies for the integrated growth of the North East Economic Corridor, covering short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals.

These task forces were formed following the 72nd plenary session of the North-Eastern Council (NEC) held in November last year in Agartala, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

On Monday, the second virtual meeting of the High-Level Task Force focusing on Agri-Horticulture Development in the North Eastern Region, along with the third virtual meeting on Tourism, also took place. Chief Ministers, ministers, and senior officials attended these discussions, with DoNER Minister Scindia participating in all three virtual meetings.