Connectivity Issues in the North East

The North East has historically suffered from poor transport connectivity within and between the seven states as well as with the rest of India and neighbouring countries. This has not only impeded everyday life and livelihoods but also regional development and national security. As China builds and consolidates its hold in its own border regions as well as neighbouring countries through highways across Asia and also Europe, India is lagging behind even in the homestead. The strategic location of the North East and the recent geopolitical developments in the region necessitate the creation of robust infrastructure and multimodal connectivity.

Poor transport connectivity in the North East is one of many reasons for its regional backwardness. This connectivity pertains to various modes and routes of transport facilitating the movement of persons and goods. It also pertains to transport within and between the seven sister states as also mainland India and neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and China. The poor state of transport infrastructure and regional connectivity has adverse implications for tourism, trade, and commerce therein as well as the everyday possibilities for residents in terms of life and livelihoods. The scarcity of all-weather roads continues to be one of the biggest infrastructural deficits in the region, whereas rail, water, and air connectivity are yet to receive the thrust they require.