Connectivity and NE Economy
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: November 25 2015 -
Most policy makers believe that improving road connectivity in Northeast India is one of the key elements likely to boost the economy of the region.
Based on this belief, the Government of India over the years has pumped in huge funds and initiated schemes with an aim to achieve set objectives.
It has been reported that work on the Trans-Arunachal Highway is progressing on in full-swing and may even be completed before the set timeline.
The mega two-lane highway project in Arunachal Pradesh will connect Tawang to Kanubari, covering a distance of over 1500 km.
According to reports, the highway when completed is also expected to touch India’s most strategically located areas in the Northeast.
The project funded and implemented by the Government of India under Special Accelerated Road Development Programme in the region, the construction work which costs an estimated Rs 10,000 crore, is expected to be completed by early 2018.
It is said that out of 1,556 km, about 1,000 km are in various stage of progress. The project hopes to connect Nechipu in West Kameng to Hoj in Papum Pare, cutting Seppa in East Kameng.
Once the highway is complete, it will provide improved connectivity to the State’s Capital Itanagar and important locations including the sites of major hydroelectric power projects.
With the proposal to further construct an ambitious 1800 km long Indo-China Frontier Highway in Arunachal Pradesh, the expectations are equally high.
The proposed highway will pass through Tawang, East Kameng, Changlang, Hawai and Vijaynagar in the bordering areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
Apart from improving connectivity, the Government of India is also reportedly planning to build an industrial corridor in the State to improve its economy and generate employment for the State’s residents.
Though one is not sure of the exact quantum of estimated benefits, the Northeast region as a whole will have, out these projects and proposals, they are bound to not only affect the overall economy but also change the demographic pattern of the State too.
While assessing the economic benefits, it would be also prudent on the part of the policy makers to estimate the amount of resources likely to be extracted from the Northeast region in the near future.
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