Northeast India: Emerging Logistics and Cultural Hub for Southeast Asia

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that Northeast India is transforming into a logistics and cultural gateway to Southeast Asia, thanks to significant infrastructure improvements. Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the region has seen a historic turnaround after decades of neglect. Key developments include the completion of major rail projects, upgrades to highways, and a doubling of operational airports. This progress positions the Northeast as a crucial driver of national growth, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for both goods and passengers. The region is now recognized as a vital link in India's Act East Policy, fostering stronger ties with Southeast Asia.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 4, 2025, 16:15 IST

Northeast India as a Gateway

New Delhi, Dec 4: The development of integrated check posts, enhanced border facilities, and improved multi-modal connectivity through waterways, highways, and railways is transforming Northeast India into a vital logistics and cultural link to Southeast Asia, stated Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday.

Sonowal, who oversees Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, the Northeast has experienced a significant turnaround after years of neglect.

He remarked, "With the Act East Policy, the Northeast is evolving into a logistics and cultural hub for Southeast Asia. For seven decades, this region faced under-representation and lack of investment. Now, under PM Modi, it is celebrated as the 'Ashtalakshmi' of India, emerging as a key driver of national growth rather than just a border area."

Discussing the rapid expansion of connectivity, Sonowal noted that all major gauge conversion projects in the region have been finalized, enabling Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Manipur, and Mizoram to connect to the broad-gauge network.

"For the first time, goods and passenger trains are reaching many interior areas," he added.

The former Chief Minister of Assam highlighted the completion of the Bogibeel rail-cum-road bridge in 2018 and the recent commissioning of the Bhairabi–Sairang link in June, which have greatly enhanced accessibility in Assam and Mizoram.

Ongoing rail projects are set to connect four capitals in Nagaland, Manipur, Sikkim, and Meghalaya, while the India–Bangladesh Agartala–Akhaura rail link was inaugurated by the prime ministers of both nations in November 2023.

Sonowal mentioned that over 11,000 km of national and strategic highways have been upgraded in the last decade, and air travel in the Northeast has seen a remarkable transformation.

The number of operational airports has surged from nine in 2014 to 19 today. New greenfield airports at Pakyong and Hollongi, along with upgraded terminals at Tezu, Rupsi, and Agartala, have been launched under the UDAN scheme.

He also pointed out the establishment of a network of heliports and water aerodromes to enhance connectivity to remote areas.