DPIIT reviews project delays across five states for resolution
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has reviewed critical delays affecting 11 infrastructure projects across five northeastern and eastern states. The review meeting focused on removing roadblocks to key developments in energy, petroleum, and transport sectors. With project costs exceeding ₹34,000 crore, central and state authorities aim to accelerate implementation timelines through collaborative intervention and policy-level support for public and private stakeholders.
The infrastructure projects under review span Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, and Nagaland. Officials discussed 18 specific issues impacting timelines and progress. Projects include thermal power stations, oil and gas developments, and regionally critical infrastructure. Several delays were linked to land acquisition hurdles, regulatory clearances, and coordination gaps among implementing agencies, prompting experts to call for a unified resolution mechanism that prioritises project execution on a mission-mode timeline.
The Patratu Thermal Power Station Expansion Project Phase-I in Jharkhand received special attention due to its significant public investment. The project is seen as key to meeting regional power demands and boosting industrial capacity. Meanwhile, in Arunachal Pradesh, a private-sector petroleum initiative worth ₹1,000 crore also came under discussion. Officials urged state departments to offer expedited support, highlighting the project’s potential for employment generation and energy security in a strategic border zone.
Concerns were raised regarding coordination gaps between local administrations and private firms, especially in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Several project proponents flagged delays due to pending approvals and restricted access to remote locations. Experts from the Centre advised states to strengthen interdepartmental coordination and suggested establishing fast-track channels for clearances. Encouraging private sector confidence remains critical to unlocking investment in the northeast’s resource-rich but infrastructure-deficient regions.
The DPIIT-led review signals growing urgency to resolve bottlenecks in northeastern infrastructure development. While central support is evident, smooth execution hinges on local cooperation, efficient redressal mechanisms, and streamlined policy enforcement. With over ₹34,000 crore in investment at stake, the outcomes of these interventions could redefine connectivity and energy access across India’s underserved frontier states.
