NESIDS sanctions 108 projects for Rs 22.73bn for North East Development

The Union Minister for Development of North-East Region (DoNER) announced that the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) has sanctioned a total of 108 projects valued at Rs 22.73 billion from 2019 to 2023.These projects cover various sectors, including water supply, power, connectivity, and initiatives aimed at promoting tourism and social welfare in the region. The NESIDS also focuses on enhancing the primary and secondary education and health sectors.Regarding connectivity in the North-Eastern states, the Minister highlighted that 19 railway infrastructure projects, spanning a total length of 1,909 km and costing Rs 819.41 billion, are in various stages of planning, approval, and execution. Among these, 482 km has already been commissioned, and an expenditure of Rs 377.13 billion has been incurred as of March 2023.In terms of air connectivity, the North-Eastern region has witnessed significant progress. From nine operational airports in 2014, the region now boasts 16 operational airports. Moreover, the Advanced Landing Ground at Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, has been operationalised. Additionally, 13 major infrastructure projects, totalling Rs 15.43 billion, are currently being implemented in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura.The Minister also emphasised the development of road connectivity in the region. A total of 261 road projects, under various schemes of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, have been undertaken with a sanctioned cost of Rs 1025.94 billion. These projects are being implemented through agencies such as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), and state Public Work Departments (PWDs) in the North-Eastern states.