Centre to hasten implementation of infra projects in NE

Also decides to pump-in Rs 600 cr for completion of three critical rail projects and two more such projects

The Centre will "speed up" implementation of ongoing infrastructure projects in the North-Eastern region to "ensure full physical and electronic connectivity to and in the region." It has also decided to pump-in Rs 600 crore for completion of three "critical" rail projects and two more such projects. Besides, the Centre will also set up an 'Empowered Committee' to monitor progress of all infrastructure projects in the region.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, yesterday at a meeting chaired by him, reviewed the status of infrastructure development in the North-Eastern region. The meeting was attended by the Union finance minister, civil aviation minister, the railway minister, road transport and highways minister, telecom minister, power minister, Development of North Eastern Region (DoONER) minister and the deputy chairman of the Planning Commission.

At the meeting, it was agreed that the Union finance ministry would provide an additional Rs 400 crore for completion of three critical rail projects in the region before March 2014. The three projects include the Harmati- Naharlagun project to provide the first rail connectivity to Arunachal Pradesh, Dudhnoi- Mendipathar project to connect Meghalaya and the Rangapara- North Lakhimpur gauge conversion project.

The ministry of railways committed that the first trial runs will begin on these lines in January 2014. The finance ministry will also provide Rs 200 crore for two more projects, which include the Lumding - Silchar gauge conversion and the Bogibeel bridge project.

The review meeting discussed railway, road, airport, power, and telecom projects in the region. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, said that based on the Prime Minister's direction; a special section was for the first time included in the 11 th Plan document on North-Eastern Region which had accelerated the growth process in the North Eastern states.

This section has been continued in the 12th Plan as well, he said. He said the eight states of the region grew at 9.95 per cent during the 11th plan period, well above the national average of 8 per cent. At the review meeting, it was also decided to provide additional funds from the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) for intra- state transmission line networks in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.