Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has outlined a profound decade of progress for Northeast India, asserting the region has decisively shifted from the periphery to the core of the nation's development agenda under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
From Margins to Mainstream: A Decade of Strategic Focus
Addressing the media in Guwahati, Sonowal stated that the past ten years have ended seven decades of under-representation and under-investment in the northeastern states. He emphasized that the region is now recognized as India's 'Ashtalakshmi,' a term symbolizing its immense potential and strategic value to the country.
The minister credited PM Modi's vision for placing the Northeast at the heart of national priorities, with sweeping advancements in infrastructure, economic reforms, cultural revival, and the establishment of lasting peace.
Connectivity Revolution: Rails, Roads, and Air Links
Sonowal identified enhanced connectivity as the cornerstone of the government's roadmap for the Northeast. He detailed significant achievements across all transport modes.
On the railways, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Manipur, and Mizoram have been integrated into the broad-gauge network, opening up interiors for both goods and passenger train services. The road sector has seen over 11,000 kilometers of national and strategic highways upgraded in the last decade.
Key projects nearing completion in 2025 include the Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura corridor, the Nechipu-Hoj NH-13 project, and capital connectivity routes to Kohima, Itanagar, and Gangtok. Air connectivity has also surged, with the number of airports in the region doubling from nine in 2014 to 19 operational airports today.
Economic Engines and Gateway to Southeast Asia
The economic transformation, according to Sonowal, is being driven by major industrial projects. He highlighted India's first bamboo-based ethanol plant at the Numaligarh bio refinery, which is creating new income streams for local farmers.
Furthermore, the Rs 22,594 crore expansion of the Numaligarh refinery has tripled its capacity, positioning the Northeast as a strategic energy hub. In a significant tech push, the Rs 27,000-crore semiconductor facility at Jagiroad is set to produce 15 billion chips annually and generate approximately 27,000 jobs.
Sonowal also pointed to the success of the Act East Policy, under which the Northeast is emerging as a crucial logistics and cultural gateway to Southeast Asia. This is being facilitated by integrated check posts, enhanced border infrastructure, and multimodal links across waterways, highways, and railways.
Peace and Stability: The Foundation for Growth
The minister underscored that this development boom rests on a foundation of renewed peace. He cited peace accords signed with groups like the Bodo, Karbi, and Bru communities as pivotal. Complementing this, there has been a substantial 75% rollback of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) since 2014, contributing significantly to the region's stability and enabling a conducive environment for progress.
Sonowal's comprehensive review paints a picture of a region in rapid transition, leveraging strategic investments and diplomatic outreach to finally realize its long-held potential within the Indian union.
