Northeast task force reviews logistics costs and connectivity roadmap

The third meeting of the High-Level Task Force on Infrastructure, Logistics Cost and Connectivity in the Northeastern Region was held on December 22, chaired by the Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha. The review brought together chief ministers and senior officials to assess logistics constraints, connectivity gaps and coordination mechanisms affecting freight movement across the region.

The task force examined regional logistics bottlenecks, including transport links, modal integration and implementation timelines. Discussions focused on aligning short-, medium- and long-term infrastructure priorities with institutional coordination to reduce logistics costs and improve supply chain reliability in the Northeast.

The Tripura Chief Minister presented a phase-wise roadmap covering logistics networks, multimodal connectivity, cross-border trade corridors and digital and power enablers. The plan emphasised treating the Northeast as a unified logistics region and called for coordination among central ministries handling roads, railways, civil aviation, waterways, power, telecom and petroleum, alongside resolution of forest and environmental clearance issues that affect project execution.

Lalduhoma said Mizoram could function as a gateway to neighbouring countries under the Act East Policy. He urged faster progress on key connectivity projects such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and highlighted the role of border trade, logistics and institutional support in meeting the task force’s objectives.

Jyotiraditya Scindia said the roadmap proposed by Tripura, developed in consultation with other members, offered a comprehensive framework to improve logistics and connectivity in the Northeast. He noted that execution would depend on collaboration between central ministries and state governments and suggested seeking inputs from line ministries and NITI Aayog before finalising the task force report.

The task force is part of a broader structure formed by the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region, with eight high-level groups led by chief ministers of northeastern states. The initiative follows a consensus reached at the 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council held in Agartala in December 2024.