North East India is emerging as ‘Front-Runner of Growth’ -- PM Modi quoted in PIB statement :::: As "aspirations take root" .... Northeast is now a key driver of Viksit Bharat

 

“There was a time when the North East was merely called a Frontier Region. 
Today, it is emerging as the ‘Front-Runner of Growth’ -- PM Modi (PIB) 

In Manipur, Sept 13th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur. 

He knows how to do things 'big'. The long-term impact is always huge.... notwithstanding India's 'negative nepo leader' -- who claims PM Narendra Modi's visit to Manipur -- "is not a big deal". 

"Manipur has been in trouble for a long time and the PM has decided to go there now. So that's not a big deal. The main issue today in India is 'vote chori' (vote theft)," says Rahul Gandhi.

 

Beyond individual projects, the Northeast has witnessed a systematic infrastructure expansion through multiple sanctioned initiatives. Since FY 2022–23, 17 new railway surveys covering 1,790 km have been approved under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. 

Madam President flanked by two former RSS foot-soldiers (Sept 12, 2025) 

National Highways Development

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRT&H), responsible for the development and maintenance of National Highways, has constructed 16,207 km of National Highways in the Northeast Region (NER). 

The government's continued investments in roads, railways, and rural transport projects are reshaping the region, enhancing mobility, and opening up new opportunities for local communities. 

A notable example of this commitment is the approval of a 15 km road construction project between Mangaldoi and Mazikuchi in Assam, costing ₹45.31 crore. Approved in August 2025, the project will be implemented under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) – Roads.

Roadworks and Bridges under PMGSY

Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), 

17,637 road works covering 89,436 km and 

2,398 bridges have been sanctioned in the North Eastern Region. 

Of these, 16,469 road works spanning 80,933 km and 2,108 bridges have been completed, significantly improving last-mile connectivity in remote and rural areas.

Blogger - Nagaland ::: Rio Regime does not deserve credit for this (smile) 

PM-DevINE Scheme

The Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) is a 100% centrally funded Central Sector Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2022–23. 

The scheme has a total outlay of ₹6,600 crore for the four-year period from 2022–23 to 2025–26. 

Its objectives are to fund infrastructure projects in a convergent manner in line with the PM GatiShakti framework, support social development initiatives based on the region’s specific needs, enable livelihood opportunities for youth and women, and address development gaps across various sectors in the North Eastern Region.

NESIDS – Roads

The North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) – Roads is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2017–18 and extended until 31st March 2026. It provides targeted gap funding for the construction of roads and associated infrastructure that are not covered by other central ministries or agencies. 

The scheme focuses on projects that enhance access to remote areas, improve market connectivity, and serve strategic or security purposes. Only those proposals that result in the creation of physical assets such as roads, bridges, and auxiliary infrastructure are eligible for funding.  

The North Eastern Region is no longer on the periphery of India’s development map; it is now firmly at the center of the nation’s growth narrative. 

Backed by visionary policy making, record investments, and coordinated execution across ministries, the Northeast is witnessing a remarkable transformation. 

From improved rail and road connectivity to digital access, economic investments, and inclusive development initiatives, every effort is bringing the region closer to opportunity and prosperity. 

As infrastructure strengthens and aspirations take root, the Northeast stands poised to become a key driver of a Viksit Bharat, where every hill, valley, and village is part of the country’s shared future.

A smiling cabbage farmer in Meghalaya  

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