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India's northeastern region is transforming into a logistics and cultural gateway to Southeast Asia, driven by major infrastructure improvements across rail, road, air, and waterways. Broad-gauge rail lines now connect previously isolated areas, cross-border links with Bangladesh strengthen regional trade, and air connectivity has expanded from nine to 19 airports, including new greenfield airports under UDAN. Multimodal infrastructure and integrated check-posts are positioning the region as a key corridor for trade, mobility, and cultural exchange, turning it into an emerging growth engine for India.
The northeastern region of India is steadily transforming into a major logistics and cultural gateway to Southeast Asia, supported by expanded rail, road, air, and waterway infrastructure. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted that improved integrated check?posts, upgraded highways, multi?modal connectivity, and cross border links are positioning the region as a strategic corridor for trade and cultural exchange. He emphasized that the region, once underdeveloped, is now emerging as a growth driver under the current government's focused infrastructure policies. Advertisement
Rail connectivity has reached all state capitals, and broad?gauge lines now connect previously isolated areas in Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Manipur, and Mizoram, enabling goods and passenger trains to access interior regions for the first time. Landmark projects such as the 2018 Bogibeel rail?cum-road bridge and the recent Bhairabi-Sairang link in Mizoram have further improved connectivity. Additionally, four ongoing rail projects aim to connect the capitals of Nagaland, Manipur, Sikkim, and Meghalaya. The cross?border Agartala-Akhaura rail link with Bangladesh, operational since late 2023, strengthens regional trade and integration.
Air connectivity in the region has also improved significantly. From nine operational airports in 2014, the Northeast now has 19 airports. New greenfield airports under the UDAN scheme at Pakyong and Hollongi, along with upgraded terminals at Tezu, Rupsi, and Agartala, have enhanced passenger movement. A network of heliports and water aerodromes has also been established to improve access to remote districts.
These developments reflect a long-term strategy to turn the Northeast from a historically neglected border region into a hub of economic and cultural activity. With modern infrastructure, improved mobility, and cross-border trade links, the region is increasingly integrated with India's national growth plans and emerging as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia.
Source PTI
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