How Can a Unified Approach Elevate Infrastructure Growth in the Northeast?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Unified Approach: Essential for cohesive development.
- Master Plan: A regional plan to bridge infrastructure gaps.
- Monitoring Mechanism: To oversee priority projects effectively.
- Cross-Border Trade: Boost international trade with neighboring countries.
- Digital Connectivity: Enhancing digital infrastructure is crucial.
New Delhi, Aug 8 (NationPress) Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, has emphasized the necessity of a cohesive strategy to enhance infrastructure development in the Northeastern Region (NER), as revealed in an official statement on Friday.
The minister provided five key recommendations aimed at closing the infrastructure and connectivity gaps: the convergence of the NER Infrastructure Grid through the creation of a regional Master Plan; the establishment of a Monitoring Mechanism for high-priority projects in the NER; a policy push for a Multimodal Logistic Park by offering various tax incentives and other concessions; improvement of cross-border connectivity to foster international trade with neighboring nations; and the enhancement of digital connectivity and power transmission infrastructure.
During the High-Level Task Force (HLTF) on 'Logistics and Infrastructure Connectivity in NER,' Scindia further noted that all infrastructure projects within the NER should be integrated into the PM GatiShakti Portal to facilitate effective planning of forthcoming projects.
The minister called on all NER states to revise their state Logistics Policy in alignment with metrics developed by the Ministry, based on best practices across the nation, ideally before the next NEC Plenary Session.
It was suggested that industrial clusters could be established in the NER along transportation corridors to promote rapid economic growth in the area.
The HLTF meeting concentrated on critical shortcomings within the Northeastern Region across various sectors including Highways, Railways, Waterways, Airways, Logistics, and digital connectivity.
To address these shortcomings, the HLTF meeting resolved to create a comprehensive Infrastructure Masterplan. This plan will be formulated in consultation with all eight northeastern states and Central Ministries, ensuring a collaborative approach to regional growth.
Key discussions during the meeting involved pinpointing state-specific bottlenecks and challenges, identifying critical connectivity gaps, prioritizing infrastructure needs, integrating state budgets with national investments for capital formation, and implementing a roadmap for a Developed NER by 2047.
Earlier this year, the Center established eight HLTFs, each led by a Chief Minister from one of the NE States, along with the Union Minister (MDoNER) and three chief ministers from other states as members.