Enhancing Northeast Connectivity for Act East Policy:
India’s Act East Policy aims to transform the North-East into a gateway to Southeast Asia. The commissioning of the 51.38-km Bairabi–Sairang rail line in Mizoram is a key step toward this.
- The region has seen remarkable development in roads, railways, airports, and digital networks under initiatives like the Act East Policy and the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS).
- Historic advances have been made in Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, including Mizoram receiving its first passenger train in independent India’s history. Railway connectivity has also been extended to Manipur and Nagaland.
- The Bairabi–Sairang Rail Project in Mizoram is a key strategic initiative under India’s Act East Policy, aimed at boosting connectivity in the Northeast.
- Originally, Mizoram had only a 1.5 km metre-gauge line linking Bairabi (Kolasib district) to Silchar (Assam).
- Despite challenges like difficult terrain and manpower shortages, the project includes 48 tunnels (totaling 12.85 km) and 142 bridges, and received safety clearance in June 2025.
- Ro-Ro ferry services have been revived on the Brahmaputra, offering cost-effective cargo transport and boosting economic activity.
- Digital infrastructure has expanded with programs like BharatNet and 4G saturation, connecting remote villages and bridging the digital divide.
- The Government of India sanctioned 90 projects, under NESIDS to upgrade healthcare, education, drinking water, and public infrastructure, with 30 projects already completed.
- This infrastructure revolution has improved the quality of life, attracted private investment, and fostered regional development, positioning Northeast India as an important gateway for national and regional integration.
