Key Details
The figures below illustrate the scale of infrastructure, connectivity and social-sector investments that have supported the region’s transformation over the last twelve years.
Area | Key Progress |
|---|---|
Infrastructure Delivery | 2,730 projects completed under MDoNER schemes with approved cost exceeding ₹27,963 crore |
Strategic Funding | PM-DevINE launched with ₹6,600 crore outlay for high-impact infrastructure and social projects |
Roads | National Highway network expanded from 10,905 km (2014) to 16,207 km |
Rural Connectivity | 50,850 km of roads built under PMGSY |
Railways | Average annual allocation increased from ₹2,122 crore to ₹11,486 crore; 1,900 km commissioned |
Airports | Operational airports increased from 9 to 17 |
Waterways | National Waterways expanded from 1 to 20 |
Digital Connectivity | 6,355 Gram Panchayats connected through BharatNet; 3,718 mobile towers commissioned |
Drinking Water | Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram achieved 100% tap-water coverage |
Housing | 28 lakh rural homes and 3.24 lakh urban houses sanctioned/completed under PMAY |
Organic Farming | 2.36 lakh hectares brought under certified organic cultivation |
GI Products | 89 GI-tagged products supported across the region |
Summary
From Peripheral Region to Strategic Growth Corridor
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) has released a twelve-year review of development initiatives across the eight Northeastern states. The review highlights how sustained investments in transport connectivity, digital infrastructure, energy systems, agriculture and social services have sought to reduce geographic isolation while strengthening the region’s role within India’s Act East Policy.
Connectivity Has Been the Central Driver
Much of the transformation has been built around improving physical connectivity. The National Highway network expanded from 10,905 km to 16,207 km, while more than 50,850 km of rural roads were developed under PMGSY. Railway investments also increased substantially, supporting new rail links, station upgrades and electrification.
Air connectivity expanded from 9 operational airports in 2014 to 17 in 2026, while inland waterways on the Brahmaputra and Barak river systems have emerged as an additional logistics network.
Several landmark projects—including the Bogibeel Bridge, Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, Sela Tunnel, and Noney railway bridge—have addressed long-standing terrain and accessibility constraints.
Infrastructure Investment Has Been Supported by Dedicated Funding Mechanisms
The review highlights the role of multiple funding channels, including PM-DevINE, NESIDS, and other MDoNER schemes. Together, these programmes supported 2,730 completed projects spanning roads, power systems, hospitals, water supply infrastructure and skill-development facilities.
Digital and Social Infrastructure Have Expanded Alongside Transport Networks
The development strategy has extended beyond physical connectivity. More than 6,355 Gram Panchayats have been connected through BharatNet, while 3,718 mobile towers have improved telecommunications access.
Progress has also been reported in drinking water, sanitation, housing and electrification. Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram achieved 100% tap-water coverage, while housing and electrification programmes have expanded basic service access across the region.
Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods Are Being Linked to Markets
The review highlights efforts to move beyond subsistence agriculture towards higher-value production systems. More than 2.36 lakh hectares have been brought under certified organic cultivation, while 89 GI-tagged products and expanded cold-chain and air-cargo networks are helping connect producers to wider markets.
Programmes supporting fisheries, dairy development, tribal livelihoods and farmer producer organisations also form part of the region’s rural development strategy.
Regional Development Is Increasingly Linked to India’s Act East Strategy
The review places significant emphasis on the Northeast’s role as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia. Initiatives such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, Integrated Check Posts and Border Haats are intended to strengthen cross-border trade and economic integration with neighbouring countries and ASEAN markets.
What is PM-DevINE?
PM-DevINE (Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region) is a 100% centrally funded scheme launched to support high-impact infrastructure and social-development projects in the Northeast. It is intended to address development gaps, strengthen connectivity, create livelihood opportunities and complement existing central and state programmes.
Policy Relevance
Improved connectivity across one of India’s most geographically challenging regions, reducing travel times and improving access to markets and services.
Greater Follow the Full Release Here: integration of the Northeast with national and international trade networks, particularly through Act East-linked transport corridors.
Expanded access to digital, water, housing and public-service infrastructure, supporting more balanced regional development.
A move towards higher-value agricultural and rural livelihoods through organic farming, GI products, fisheries and market-linkage initiatives.
Growing strategic importance of the Northeast in India’s border, logistics and economic planning, particularly in relation to Southeast Asia.
Demonstrates how coordinated investments across transport, utilities, digital infrastructure and livelihoods can reinforce each other to accelerate regional transformation.
Relevant Question for Stakeholders: How can the Act East Policy better leverage the Northeast’s expanding transport and logistics network to increase cross-border trade with Southeast Asia?
Follow the Full News Here: The North-East at the Heart of India’s Growth Story