Centre Sanctions Rs 3,417 Crore for 90 Infrastructure Projects in Northeast States

Centre Approves Rs 3,417 Crore for 90 Infrastructure Projects in Northeast States

In a major boost to infrastructure development in Northeast India, the Centre has sanctioned a total of Rs 3,417.68 crore for 90 infrastructure projects under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS). These projects span across multiple sectors and cover the period from the financial year 2021-22 to 2023-24, with additional funds allocated for the current fiscal year (2024-25). The initiative aims to strengthen the region’s infrastructure, improve connectivity, and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Breakdown of Fund Allocation

A significant portion of the funds will be directed towards road and bridge projects. Among the states in the Northeast, Assam has been allocated the largest share, with Rs 1,392 crore earmarked for various infrastructure initiatives. Assam’s large allocation highlights the state’s critical role in the development of road networks and connectivity in the region. Following Assam, Arunachal Pradesh has received a substantial allocation of Rs 603.91 crore, underscoring the importance of improving transportation infrastructure in the hilly and remote areas of the state.

Other states in the region, including Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, Manipur, and Nagaland, have also received significant funding under NESIDS. These allocations are expected to transform the infrastructure landscape of the Northeast, enabling faster movement of goods and people, improving access to essential services, and stimulating economic growth in the region.

Two Key Components of NESIDS Scheme

The NESIDS scheme is structured into two major components to address different aspects of infrastructure development:

1. NESIDS (Roads): This component focuses specifically on creating and upgrading road infrastructure. The sanctioned funds under this category are intended for the construction and improvement of roads, bridges, and other related infrastructure. These projects are aimed at addressing the long-standing connectivity issues that have historically plagued the Northeast. In particular, the development of road infrastructure will play a key role in boosting intra-regional trade, tourism, and overall economic activity.
2. NESIDS (Other Than Roads Infrastructure – OTRI): Under this component, projects in diverse sectors such as healthcare, education, water supply, solid waste management, industrial development, civil aviation, and telecom are considered for funding. The project sizes in this category range from Rs 5 crore to Rs 50 crore. This broad scope ensures that the focus is not just on roads but also on other vital infrastructure that improves the standard of living for people across the Northeast. Projects under OTRI are designed to enhance healthcare services, build educational institutions, develop sports infrastructure, and improve essential services like water and sanitation.

Monitoring and Execution of Projects

Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (MDoNER), emphasized the shared responsibility between the Central Government and State Governments in the execution and monitoring of these projects. While the primary responsibility for executing the sanctioned projects rests with the respective state governments, MDoNER plays a crucial role in ensuring the timely completion of these projects and monitoring their progress.

To ensure efficient oversight, the Ministry has set up Field Technical Support Units (FTSUs) in all eight Northeast states. These units act as monitoring and technical support bodies to assist the state governments in the implementation of NESIDS projects. FTSUs will work closely with the state authorities to address any challenges or technical issues that may arise during project implementation.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in February 2024 to streamline the process of monitoring infrastructure projects. The SOP outlines the engagement of Project Quality Monitors (PQMs) and Third Party Technical Inspection Units (TPTIs), which will conduct independent assessments and inspections of ongoing projects. PQMs are responsible for inspecting smaller infrastructure projects costing up to Rs 20 crore, while TPTIs, which include government engineering colleges in the Northeast, will monitor larger projects exceeding Rs 20 crore. This rigorous monitoring system is designed to ensure that projects are executed according to quality standards, timelines, and budgetary constraints.

Long-Term Impact of NESIDS

The approval of Rs 3,417 crore for 90 infrastructure projects marks a significant step towards transforming the Northeast into a well-connected and prosperous region. The funds will provide much-needed support to the region’s development, helping bridge the infrastructure gap that has hindered the region’s growth potential for decades.

With a focus on connectivity, healthcare, education, and other critical sectors, NESIDS is expected to drive inclusive development in the Northeast, creating employment opportunities, improving the quality of life, and enhancing regional integration. These initiatives will not only help local communities but also strengthen the nation’s overall economic progress by tapping into the vast potential of the Northeast.

The focus on infrastructure projects in the region also aligns with the government’s broader agenda of Act East Policy, which aims to improve India’s relations with its Eastern neighbors and increase trade and connectivity in the region. By improving internal infrastructure, India aims to create a seamless link to Southeast Asia, further enhancing trade, tourism, and strategic relations.

Conclusion

The Rs 3,417 crore sanctioned for the 90 infrastructure projects under NESIDS is a significant investment in the future of the Northeast states. It is expected to provide a much-needed boost to infrastructure development, enhance connectivity, and improve essential services, thereby fostering economic growth and improving the lives of millions of people across the region.