New Delhi Sanctions 16,207 Km Highways And ₹69,342 Cr Rail Projects
The Central Government has significantly bolstered infrastructure development in India’s Northeastern Region (NER) with the construction of 16,207 kilometres of National Highways and the sanctioning of ₹69,342 crore for railway projects. These monumental investments are designed to accelerate economic development, enhance connectivity, and foster a more sustainable and equitable future for the region. This comprehensive push aligns with India’s broader vision for zero-net-carbon, eco-friendly cities and integrated rural landscapes.
The Ministry of Railways has approved 12 railway projects for the NER, encompassing eight new lines and four doubling projects, spanning a total length of 777 kilometres. Of this, 278 kilometres have already been commissioned, with an expenditure of ₹41,676 crore up to March 2025. These railway expansions are crucial for improving logistical efficiency, reducing travel times, and promoting a more energy-efficient mode of transport, thereby contributing to lower carbon emissions and cleaner air across the region.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the government is making substantial strides in enhancing digital connectivity. Under the Digital Bharat Nidhi initiative, 6,355 Gram Panchayats have been made service-ready via the BharatNet project, bridging the digital divide in remote and rural areas. Additionally, 3,297 new mobile towers have been commissioned under various government-funded schemes, ensuring that communities in the Northeast have equitable access to modern communication tools, which are vital for education, healthcare, and economic participation.
Air connectivity has also seen remarkable improvement through the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which has operationalised 90 routes connecting 12 airports and heliports across the Northeast. This initiative aims to make air travel more accessible and affordable for the masses, fostering regional tourism and trade. Improved air links reduce reliance on longer, often less efficient, surface transport, contributing to a more streamlined and sustainable travel ecosystem.
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) is providing robust financial assistance through five Central Sector Schemes, supporting diverse developmental projects. A key initiative is the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE), a 100% centrally funded scheme with an outlay of ₹6,600 crore. This programme, running until 2025-26, focuses on infrastructure projects aligned with PM GatiShakti, social development, and promoting livelihood opportunities for youth and women, directly addressing developmental gaps and fostering inclusive growth.
Furthermore, under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), 17,637 road works covering 89,436 kilometres and 2,398 bridges have been sanctioned, with a significant portion already completed. These rural road networks are fundamental to connecting remote villages to core economic activities, improving access to markets, education, and healthcare. This comprehensive infrastructure push, from highways and railways to digital and air connectivity, is transforming the Northeast into a vibrant, well-connected, and environmentally conscious region, ensuring that development is both sustainable and equitable for all its inhabitants.
New Delhi Sanctions 16,207 Km Highways And ₹69,342 Cr Rail Projects
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