Twelve years of dedicated work have reshaped the northeast’s development landscape, leading to enhanced connectivity, energy, basic services, and livelihoods, resulting in a more integrated region. The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) has played a crucial role by providing financial aid to the eight northeast states through five Central Sector Schemes. A total of 3,746 projects have been sanctioned, with 2,730 completed at a cost exceeding Rs 27,963 crore.
Policy support and consistent investment have ensured visible progress across various sectors in the northeast. This growth has been sustainable and balanced, considering ecological factors and local community involvement. The region’s development has also strengthened its ties within India and neighboring countries, creating new opportunities for trade, mobility, and collaboration.
The Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) is a significant policy intervention focusing on high-impact projects to accelerate development. With a 100% central funding of Rs 6,600 crore from 2022–23 to 2025–26, the scheme is driving 48 projects in infrastructure, livelihood, social development, and developmental areas. Three projects, including a Centre of Excellence and Passenger Ropeway Systems, have already been completed.
Road connectivity plays a vital role in the northeast’s mobility, with the National Highways network expanding significantly from 10,905 km in 2014 to 16,207 km by April 1, 2025. Railways have also emerged as a transformative mode of connectivity, with track commissioning increasing from 333 km during 2009–14 to over 1,900 km from 2014 to 2026. The Act East Policy, a cornerstone of India’s external engagement since 2014, focuses on enhancing connectivity, trade, cultural ties, and border infrastructure with Southeast Asia through the northeast.
The northeast region is evolving into a gateway for opportunities and engagement, reflecting enhanced connectivity, resilience, and readiness for the future, as highlighted in the official statement.
