Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia on January 23 said the Centre has invested over ₹6.5 lakh crore in the Northeast during the last 12 years, highlighting the Union government’s continued focus on the region’s development.
Scindia made the remarks during his visit to Tripura, where he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several key infrastructure projects.
The Union Minister arrived in the state to inaugurate projects worth ₹540 crore and laid the foundation stone for eight major development works with a total outlay of ₹365 crore. These initiatives are aimed at improving road connectivity, promoting tourism, expanding energy access and ensuring overall development of tribal areas in Tripura.
Addressing a public gathering, Scindia said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ashtalakshmi’ vision, the Northeast has moved from the margins to the centre of India’s growth story. He said focused investments and coordinated planning have put the region on a new development path.
Among the completed projects, five works worth ₹270 crore were inaugurated, including the 13.775-km Jatanbari–Mandirghat via Tirathmukh Road and the improvement of the 28.90-km KA Road from Erarpar to Ambassa. The Minister said these roads would ease movement between villages, markets, schools and hospitals, while also giving a boost to the local economy.
He also referred to the 8-km Gandacherra–Raishyabari–Narikel Kunja Road, saying it would improve connectivity for tribal habitations by linking them with district headquarters and essential services.
Scindia said the improved road connectivity from Amarpur (Fatiksagar) to Chabimura in Gomati district would help promote Tripura’s tourism potential by showcasing its ancient art heritage and natural beauty. He noted that the project would create new livelihood opportunities for local communities dependent on tourism.
Highlighting projects under the PM-DevINE scheme, the Union Minister said the Solar Micro Grid initiative would provide clean and reliable electricity to remote and difficult areas, strengthening education, healthcare and livelihood options.
In addition, he laid the foundation stone for three new road projects worth ₹95 crore — the Kowaifung (Panjirai) to Karbook Road, the Jampui (PMGSY Point) to Kangrai Road, and the Burighat to Sermun-II Road. He said these projects would ensure year-round connectivity in hilly and interior regions.
Scindia reiterated that every Central Ministry is mandated to spend 10 per cent of its budget in the Northeastern states, which has significantly accelerated infrastructure and social development in the region. He also praised Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, saying strong Centre–State coordination has helped the state achieve steady progress across sectors.
During his visit, the Union Minister is also scheduled to inspect ongoing development works across Tripura and offer prayers at the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple at Matabari, one of the country’s prominent Shakti Peeths.