Govt invested Rs 5 lakh crore in 10 years to transform North East: DoNER minister

Kolkata: Union minister B L Verma on Monday said the central government has invested Rs5 lakh crore in the North East since 2014, while Rs11 lakh crore more will be pumped into the region for its all-round development. This part of the country holds immense investment potential, said the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). “Already Rs 5 lakh crore has been invested by the government since 2014. While another Rs 11 lakh crore is underway for the region on developmental projects to improve infrastructure," Verma told on the sidelines of the North East Investors Summit. FICCI was the industry partner for the summit.

"I had met business groups of this region in one-to-one meetings and they have given encouraging feedback about their interest in investing in the region in varied sectors and sought our support to expedite their projects. Both big and medium-sized corporations have interest," he said. The interactions by the businessmen in Kolkata were focused on potential investments in small renewable energy projects, hospitality, electric vehicles, and agriculture. Highlighting the development of the North East since 2014, Verma said, "We have seen massive infrastructural growth, with Rs 1 lakh crore currently being invested in road projects alone. The number of airports has jumped from 9 to 17, significantly improving accessibility." Underlining the focus on rail connectivity, the minister emphasized the significance of the newly inaugurated route between Akhaura in Bangladesh and Agartala in Tripura.

"This is a major milestone for regional connectivity. There has also been a huge progress in waterways development for connectivity," he said. Healthcare development also received attention, Verma said adding that an All India Institute of Medical Sciences has been operational in Guwahati. "The North East now is no longer what it was in 2014. There has been a positive transformation in the region's social fabric, as nearly 9,000 armed militant group members have surrendered contributing to peace and stability," he said.