The second meeting of the High-Level Task Force on Infrastructure, Logistics Cost and Connectivity in the North Eastern Region was held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha. Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, senior officers from MDoNER and the chief secretary of Arunachal Pradesh participated in the discussions.

The Task Force reviewed progress and priorities for strengthening multimodal connectivity in the region, covering road, rail, air, waterway, power and digital corridors. Members stressed the importance of expanding border infrastructure, upgrading trade routes, improving last-mile linkages and creating a unified macro-grid to integrate the Northeast’s economic and strategic assets. The region’s potential as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia was also highlighted.

Manik Saha presented the five-point agenda and three state-led initiatives identified during the first Task Force meeting in August 2025. He outlined key challenges, including gaps in road and air links, inadequate waterway and border trade facilities, digital infrastructure limitations and terrain-related constraints that slow project execution.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma proposed a four-point action plan centred on a comprehensive NER Infrastructure Grid, a unified strategy for Multi-Modal Logistics Parks, enhanced multimodal transport and power connectivity, and logistics cost reduction through better cold chain and all-weather infrastructure.

Jyotiraditya M Scindia outlined three initiatives for the Task Force, calling for a regional master plan to function as a macro-grid, a state-wise matrix of priority infrastructure projects to be funded by the Centre, and a parallel matrix identifying PPP-ready projects in logistics, warehousing and cold chain.

Earlier this year, the Centre formed eight High-Level Task Forces headed by state chief ministers, following consensus at the 72nd North Eastern Council Plenary in Agartala. The initiative aims to accelerate connectivity-led growth and build a future-ready logistics network to boost investment and employment across the region.

News source: PIB