Lok Sabha Question No. 376 (STARRED), answered on 2025-03-26
Subject: Economic Development of NER
Ministry: DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION
Asked by: Shri Phani Bhusan Choudhury

## Government of India Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION No.*376

To be answered on

Wednesday, March 26, 2025/ Chaitra 5, 1947 (Saka)

## QUESTION Economic Development of NER

- *376. Shri Phani Bhusan Choudhury Will the Minister of DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION be pleased to state:
- (a) the main purpose of establishing the DoNER Ministry and the quantum of funds allocated through it since the year 2004 till date, year-wise; and
- (b) the main infrastructure that have been developed for the economic growth of the North Eastern region (NER), especially for Assam till 2025?

## ANSWER

## The Minister of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region [Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia]

- (a) to (b) A statement is laid on the Table of the House .

## STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS  (A)  TO  (B)  OF  LOK  SABHA  STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  *376  FOR  26 TH MARCH, 2025 REGARDING 'ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF NER'.

- (a) The main purpose of establishing the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region(MDoNER) is to ensure the following:
- i) Rapid development of North Eastern Region(NER) from the point of view  of strengthening Infrastructure and social development;
- ii)  To examine  areas of main  growth opportunities within  the  NER  and coordinate with other ministries/ departments to achieve the desired outcome;
- iii)  To  look  at  the  international  connectivity  with  neighboring  countries  from  a perspective of economic growth and as a gateway to South East Asia.

In order to execute on the above the structural construct to deliver on these imperatives is  through  North  Eastern  Council  (NEC)  and  other  institutional  structures  that  include interalia,  North  Eastern  Development  Finance  Corporation  Limited  (NEDFi),  North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited  (NERAMAC),  North Eastern  Handicrafts  &  Handlooms  Development  Corporation  Limited  (NEHHDC)  and North  East  Cane  and  Bamboo  Development  Council  (NECBDC).The  funds  allocated through the Ministry since the year 2004 till date; is at Annexure I .

From 2004-05 to 2013-14 an amount of ₹ 15135.63 cr was allocated while from 2014-15  to  2024-25  an  amount  of  ₹  31502.99  cr  was  allocated  as  per  the  Revised Estimate. This indicates 108% increase in the developmental resources to the 8 States in the North Eastern region through MDoNER.

(b) The Ministry  is  also  responsible  for  coordinating  and  monitoring  mechanism  of allocation of 10%  Gross Budgetary Support (GBS)for NER  by non-exempted Ministries/Departments. Under the aforesaid mechanism, the fund allocated  during the last 21 years i.e. 2004-05 to 2024-25 is at Annexure II .  The allocation of funds by the non-exempted Ministries and departments has seen sharp increase. Between 2004-05 &2013-14, an amount of ₹1,57,855.67cr was allocated while between 2014-15 & 202425, an amount of ₹6,02,620.12Cr was allocated as per the Revised Estimate, indicating an increase of 281.75%.

Infrastructure  development  has  been  an  important  component  of  the  strategy  to develop the NER. Several infrastructure development projects have been taken up by the  concerned  central  Ministries  and  Departments  to  boost  the  overall  infrastructure including that for industrial development in the North Eastern Region (NER) which, interalia, include:

- i. Increase in National Highways from 10,905 km (2014) to 16,207 km (2024).
- ii. Since 2014, significant  progress  has  been  made in civil  aviation  in  North  East India. A  total  of 36  projects  worth  ₹1,100 crores  have been completed,  and  12 projects  worth  ₹1,492  crores  are  proposed.  An  investment  of  ₹2,000  crores  is planned for the region. The number of airports has increased from 9 in the year 2014 to 17 at present, and 64 routes have been operationalized under the UDAN scheme.
- iii. Since 2014, significant advancements have been made in  Inland waterways. A total of ₹1,040 crores has been spent on various projects, increasing the number of  national  waterways  from  1  to  20.  Under  the  Sagarmala  Programme,  the Ministry  of  Ports,  Shipping,  and Waterwayshas  undertaken projects worth  over ₹1,000 crores in the NER. The first cargo vessel sailed from Patna to Pandu via Bangladesh in 2022, and the world's longest river cruise, MV Ganga Vilas, sailed from Varanasi to Bogibeel via Bangladesh in 2023
- iv. Since  2014,  there  has  been  a  significant  boost  in  railway  infrastructure.  The average  annual  budget  allocation  towards  NER  increased  by  384%,  totaling ₹9,970 crores for FY 2023-24. Annual commissioning of sections rose by 170%, from  66.6  km/year  (2009-2014)  to  179.78  km/year  (2014-23).  Railway  tracks increased by 1,909 km, with 972 km has been converted to broad gauge. There are 19 projects worth ₹81,941 crores in various stages of execution. Additionally, 25 new rail tunnels are operational, and 121 are under construction.
- v. On  09.03.2024,  Hon'ble  Prime  Minister  laid  Foundation  Stone  for  multiple projects worth Rs. 12,556 cr.
- vi. The  Sela  Tunnel,  was  inaugurated  on  March  9,  2024.  It  ensures  all-weather connectivity between Tezpur in Assam and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
- vii. Agartala-Sabroom New Railway Line Project (112 Km) has been commissioned at a cost of Rs. 3,904.61 crore.
- viii. Dhola-Sadiya  Bridge  inaugurated in  2017,  reduces travel time by  5  hours  and 165 km between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
- ix. Donyi  Polo  Airport,  the  first  Greenfield  airport  in  Arunachal  Pradesh  was inaugurated in 2022.
- x. Bogibeel Rail-cum-Road Bridge was inaugurated in 2018, enhancing connectivity across Assam.

An illustrative list of major infrastructure developed for the economic growth of the North Eastern Region (NER), including Assam till 2025, through various schemes of MDoNER is placed at Annexure III :

- *****

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN PART (a) OF THE STATEMENT LAID IN REPLY TO STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  *376  TO  BE  ANSWERED  IN  THE  LOK  SABHA  ON 26.03.2025 REGARDING 'ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF NER'.

ANNEXURE I Details of Allocation Revised Estimate (RE) during 2004-05 to 2024-25 (Rs. in crore)

| Year                       | Revised Estimate   |
|----------------------------|--------------------|
| 2004-05                    | 1197.12            |
| 2005-06                    | 1188.48            |
| 2006-07                    | 1365.29            |
| 2007-08                    | 1432.00            |
| 2008-09                    | 1473.25            |
| 2009-10                    | 1475.21            |
| 2010-11                    | 1759.33            |
| 2011-12                    | 1664.27            |
| 2012-13                    | 1750.68            |
| 2013-14                    | 1830.00            |
| Total (2004-05 to 2013-14) | 15135.63           |
| 2014-15                    | 1825.45            |
| 2015-16                    | 2000.14            |
| 2016-17                    | 2524.42            |
| 2017-18                    | 2682.45            |
| 2018-19                    | 2629.48            |
| 2019-20                    | 2670.00            |
| 2020-21                    | 1860.00            |
| 2021-22                    | 2658.00            |
| 2022-23                    | 2755.05            |
| 2023-24                    | 5892.00            |
| 2024-25                    | 4006.00            |
| Total (2014-15 to 2024-25) | 31502.99*          |

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN PART (b) OF THE STATEMENT LAID IN REPLY TO STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  *376  TO  BE  ANSWERED  IN  THE  LOK  SABHA  ON 26.03.2025 REGARDING 'ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF NER'.

ANNEXURE II Details of Allocation Revised Estimate (RE) during 2004-05 to 2024-25 under 10% GBS (Rs. in crore)

| Year                       | Revised Estimate   |
|----------------------------|--------------------|
| 2004-05                    | 6555.1             |
| 2005-06                    | 8910.14            |
| 2006-07                    | 10502.25           |
| 2007-08                    | 12583.23           |
| 2008-09                    | 14387.65           |
| 2009-10                    | 15577.12           |
| 2010-11                    | 20574.79           |
| 2011-12                    | 21907.96           |
| 2012-13                    | 22493.75           |
| 2013-14                    | 24364.48           |
| Total (2004-05 to 2013-14) | 1,57,856.47        |
| 2014-15                    | 27,359.17          |
| 2015-16                    | 29,669.22          |
| 2016-17                    | 32,180.08          |
| 2017-18                    | 40,971.69          |
| 2018-19                    | 47,087.95          |
| 2019-20                    | 53,374.19          |
| 2020-21                    | 51,270.90          |
| 2021-22                    | 68,440.26          |
| 2022-23                    | 72,540.28          |
| 2023-24                    | 91,990.42          |
| 2024-25                    | 87,735.96          |
| Total (2014-15 to 2024-25) | 6,02,620.12        |

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN PART (B) OF THE STATEMENT LAID IN REPLY TO STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  *376  TO  BE  ANSWERED  IN  THE  LOK  SABHA  ON 26.03.2025 REGARDING 'ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF NER'.

## ANNEXURE III

The major infrastructure that have been developed for the economic growth of the North Eastern Region (NER), including Assam till 2025 through various schemes of MDoNER are as follows:

|   Sl. | State             | Project name                                                                                                                                          |   Amt in Rs. Cr. |
|-------|-------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------|
|     1 | ARUNACHAL PRADESH | Construction of Road from Rani to Oiramghat (Assam) via Sika Tode-Sika Bamin Village - Jampani and Anchalghat Camp Road (25km) in East Siang District |          33.2547 |
|     2 | ARUNACHAL PRADESH | Seppa-Chyangtajo road in East Kameng District                                                                                                         |         172.52   |
|     3 | ASSAM             | Construction of Medical College at Nalbari                                                                                                            |         217.82   |
|     4 | ASSAM             | Champamati Irrigation Project                                                                                                                         |          43.85   |
|     5 | ASSAM             | Construction of 100 bedded hospital at Kajalgaon in BTC area                                                                                          |          38.52   |
|     6 | ASSAM             | Setting up of IT Park at Kokrajhar                                                                                                                    |          25.94   |
|     7 | ASSAM             | Construction of Road from Birla (Taranglaso) to Ronkimi near NH-36 including RCC Bridge No. 24/1 (L25.00 km) in Assam                                 |          44.15   |
|     8 | ASSAM             | Improvement and widening of Bishmuri Saralpara Sarbhanga Road                                                                                         |          26.79   |
|     9 | ASSAM             | Improvement of road from Bashbari to Gossaigaon via Dingdinga Kokrajhar District (D.K. Road)                                                          |          25      |
|    10 | ASSAM             | Champamati Irrigation Project                                                                                                                         |          43.85   |
|    11 | ASSAM             | Construction of 100 bedded hospital at Kajalgaon in BTC area                                                                                          |          38.52   |
|    12 | ASSAM             | Construction of Bodofa Cultural Complex at Kokrajhar                                                                                                  |          18.44   |
|    13 | ASSAM             | Setting up of IT Park at Kokrajhar                                                                                                                    |          25.94   |
|    14 | ASSAM             | Bijni-Panbari Road in Chirang District of Assam                                                                                                       |          15.59   |
|    15 | ASSAM             | Construction of Borobazar Ulubari Road via Bagargaon including RCC Bridge & Cross drainage in Chirang District                                        |          18.69   |
|    16 | ASSAM             | Construction of Road from Birla (Taranglaso) to Ronkimi near NH-36 including RCC Bridge No. 24/1 (L25.00 km) in Karbi Anlong                          |          44.15   |
|    17 | ASSAM             | Construction of Double Lane Road from Lanka to Umrangso via Diyungmukh,                                                                               |         227.17   |

|    |           | HaflongTinali and Panimur                                                                                                            |         |
|----|-----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|
| 18 | ASSAM     | Construction of RCC Bridge over river Aie at Aie Powali including approach & protection work in Chirang District                     |   69.74 |
| 19 | ASSAM     | Construction of three lane Road over Bridge at Jorhat in replacement of Railway LC gate No ST-58 on Na-Ali, Jorhat District in Assam |   67.75 |
| 20 | ASSAM     | Improvement & Widening of Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Road, SH-3 B from Ch.0.00 Km to Ch. 18.65 Km, Assam                            |   79.13 |
| 21 | MANIPUR   | Construction of 400/132/33 KV SS at Thoubal in Manipur                                                                               |  128.24 |
| 22 | MANIPUR   | Bishnupur - Nungba Road                                                                                                              |  142.85 |
| 23 | MEGHALAYA | Construction of 220 KV D/C Transmission Line from Misa (Assam) to Byrnihat (Meghalaya)                                               |   63.37 |
| 24 | MIZORAM   | HFO bassed 20 MW DG thermal plant at Bhairabi                                                                                        |   91.59 |
| 25 | MIZORAM   | Khedacherra - Damcherra - Kwarthah- Tuilutkawn Road                                                                                  |  183.27 |
| 26 | MIZORAM   | Serkhan-Baghabazar Road                                                                                                              |  187.04 |
| 27 | NAGALAND  | Sub-transmission & Distribution schemes                                                                                              |   67.85 |
| 28 | NAGALAND  | Mokokchung (NH-155), NH-202 Junction to Aghunato via Longsa-Suruhoto Road                                                            |  158.31 |
| 29 | SIKKIM    | Augmentation of Namchi Water Supply Scheme, South Sikkim                                                                             |   38.22 |
| 30 | TRIPURA   | Bishalgarh-Boxanagar-Sonamura- Borpathari- Belonia Road                                                                              |  233.41 |
|    |           | Total                                                                                                                                | 2570.96 |

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