All NE states to be connected by rail by 2029, says Scindia
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, on Friday announced all northeastern states would be connected by rail by 2029, while outlining key achievements of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), the Department of Posts, and the Department of Telecommunications over the past year.
Addressing a joint media briefing on the ministry’s one-year progress from August 2024 to September 2025, Scindia said, “As compared to just nine airports in eight northeastern states, with none in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, the number has now increased to 17, including four airports in Arunachal Pradesh alone. Regarding rail connectivity, all the northeastern states will be connected by the year 2029.”
He added efforts are advancing on the Kaladan and India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway projects, aimed at linking the northeast region with global markets. “The region is emerging as the gateway of India rather than being the last frontier,” he said.
Scindia described the northeast as a key driver of India’s economic growth. “The northeast today represents the spirit of a new India — empowered, connected and future-ready,” he said.
Highlighting the region’s higher decadal GDP growth than the national average, a high literacy rate, and a youthful population — 70 per cent under the age of 28 —he said these factors combined make the northeast a true growth engine for India.
The Ministry recorded its highest-ever expenditure of Rs 3,447.71 crore in the financial year 2024–25, marking a 74.4 per cent increase over the previous year and over 200 per cent growth in three years.
Through its Inter-Ministerial Facilitation Mechanism, MDoNER accelerated approvals for major infrastructure projects, including the Shillong Airport expansion, the alternative alignment of National Highway 10 in Sikkim, and the Kailashahar Airport development in Tripura.
Investment inflows into the northeast also rose during the year. Scindia said the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav in December 2024 generated Rs 2,326 crore in investment leads, while the North East Banker’s Conclave resulted in commitments for 51 new bank branches and expanded MSME credit.
The Ministry also prioritised tourism and cultural promotion under a unified Brand Northeast strategy. States identified unique products such as Assam’s Muga silk, Meghalaya’s Lakadong turmeric and Tripura’s Queen pineapple.
Eight destinations — including Kaziranga, Ziro, Sohra, Thenzawl, Matabari, Kisama, Namchi and Moirang — are being developed as tourist sites, with homestay and eco-tourism models seeing significant growth.
Delhi