Enhancing Transportation and Infrastructure Development in the North Eastern Regions of India

In a bid to ensure the region's economic growth and safeguard against potential geopolitical disruptions, the development of strategic alternate trade routes independent of Bangladesh has been proposed. This move aims to provide a safety net for the Northeast, which currently relies heavily on Bangladesh for transit routes, exposing it to structural vulnerabilities.

The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has taken a proactive stance in this matter, facilitating dialogues and consultations for logistic development in the Northeast. The CII's report on logistic development in the region recommends expediting national highway projects, integrating logistic hubs, and investing in multimodal infrastructure.

Recognising the importance of private sector involvement, the CII also suggests encouraging businesses to utilise their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to support logistics and infrastructure development in remote areas. This could potentially lead to improved warehousing infrastructure, upgraded with modern information systems for real-time tracking and inventory management.

The digital realm is not left behind in these efforts. The implementation of the Digital Access Code (DAC) or similar geo-location tools can help enable commerce and efficient last-mile delivery in hilly and remote areas. Additionally, digital platforms connecting producers, particularly farmers, with national export markets are being explored.

To further bolster the region's logistics, the policies should be aligned with regional needs and streamlined for critical projects. Air travel infrastructure in underserved states like Mizoram and Sikkim should be strengthened to support Agri-exports. Underutilized waterways should also be explored where viable, with targeted infrastructure investments.

Since its founding, an organisation has been regularly conducting structured discussions with industry leaders and logistics experts in Northeast India, as well as regional consultations. However, the organisation's name is not explicitly stated in the provided search results.

Lastly, strengthening air travel infrastructure and exploring underutilised waterways are not just about boosting logistics but also about supporting the Agri-exports of the region, particularly in states like Mizoram and Sikkim. This holistic approach to logistics development is crucial for the Northeast's self-reliance and economic growth.