India has an extensive road network of 4.7 million kilometres. The second-largest road network in the world is responsible for 90% of the passenger traffic and 60% of the freight traffic in India. With the government allocating USD 13.8 billion for development of highways and rail networks in the North East, there is an immense possibility for infrastructural growth and economic opportunities for the region. For the rapid expansion of roads in the North East region, ‘Special Accelerated Road Development Programme in North East’ (SARDP-NE) aims for 2/4 laning of 6418 kilometres of road with the estimated investment of USD 5 billion. Furthermore, with around 1,800 kilometers of river routes, the government is developing 18 National Waterways in the region.
The development of connectivity will have a multiplier effect on the region’s growth besides paving the way for industrial development, thereby giving a further push to the Make in India initiative. The Summit is a step in this direction. It aims to increase economic ties with Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Bhutan with the North East region. The specific areas for investments in the North East region at the event will include transport infrastructure (roads; inland waterways; air connectivity), agro-food processing, tourism, energy, IT & ITeS, telecom and textile, hand loom & apparel.
The third North East Connectivity Summit is being organised at Agartala, the capital city of Tripura. The event is in collaboration with FICCI, an association of business organisations in India and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India.
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