Union Minister for state says Northeast being developed to attract tourists, investments

Kriti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs, emphasised on Tuesday that the Centre is committed to incorporating the Northeast into the nation’s broader development agenda. During a visit to the region, which commenced from Nagaland, Singh, who serves as the Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, outlined the region’s crucial role in India’s overall growth and reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure and boosting connectivity and attract tourists.

“Since the current administration assumed office, significant strides have been made to elevate the Northeast, with a primary focus on improving infrastructure and ensuring the region’s integration into the national economic growth,” PTI quoted Singh as saying.

He praised the Union budget and highlighted its support for sectors like agriculture, small industries and the boost it would give defence production companies. Singh noted the emphasis on agricultural reforms, quality education, and women’s empowerment, as well as initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity through infrastructure improvement, especially in road, rail, and air networks in the Northeast.

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Took part in a Seminaar and held a Press Conference, highlighting the key features Budget 2025 at BJP Hqrs at Kohima, Nagaland today.

This budget, is an important milestone towards attaining the goals of Aatmnirbhar and Viksit Bharat, which are the vision of our Hon’ble PM.

It… pic.twitter.com/7YaMHo6wDk

— Kirti Vardhan Singh (@KVSinghMPGonda) February 18, 2025

In response to inquiries about the Northeast, Singh acknowledged the region’s historical struggles with infrastructure and connectivity. However, he pointed out that recent initiatives under the UDAN scheme have improved air connections, alongside the addition of new railway stations and the expansion of road networks. Speaking about Dimapur railway station, where the number of trains had been reduced, Singh explained that the expansion of regional stations and highways had led to some modifications in train routes but assured that concerns regarding the removal of trains originating from Dimapur will soon be addressed.

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Regarding the long-awaited second airport project in Nagaland’s capital Kohima, the minister acknowledged the challenges in advancing the airport’s development but confirmed that the current budget includes plans for 50 new airports, with a particular emphasis on the Northeast. He promised to follow up with relevant authorities to ensure timely completion of the project.