Master plan for NE states to improve connectivity: Aiyar

Shilllong, Feb 8 (UNI) In a bid to improve connectivity in all the landlocked North Eastern states, Union Minister in-charge of Development of North East Region(DoNER) Mani Shankar Aiyar today stressed on the need of having a comprehensive regional master plan for road network.

''We need to identify and plan road-building network and make adequate investment keeping in mind the economic spin-off and larger integration with the South East Asian economy,'' Mr Aiyar said at the sectoral summit on Roads at North Eastern Council(NEC) secretariat here.

Mr Aiyar, who is also the Chairman of the NEC, the regional planning body of the eight states of the region, admitted that the region has been generally neglected for the last few decades leading to economic stagnation and low rate of growth.

''This needs to be corrected and we need a comprehensive master plan to get this region connected either with South East Asian Countries, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan to boost North East's economy,'' Mr Aiyar said.

The Union Minister said the UPA government also recognised the importance of speedy economic development of the region, which is integral part of India's 'Look East policy' in order to realise the Asian dream.

To achieve this dream, Mr Aiyar felt that leaders from the states should take initiative to develop the region in a larger way.

Pointing out that partition of the country and the subsequent creation of Bangladesh have affected the region, Mr Aiyar said India is trying to restore all traditional transport and trade links with the neighbouring countries, especially Bangladesh.

The UPA government is committed to provide resources to the region in order to bring a new shape to this under developed North Eastern states, the Union Minister said.

The two-day summit was attended by Union Minister of State in-charge Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Transport K H Muniyappa, Nagaland Governor K Sankaranarayan and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Meghalaya Governor M M Jacob and Chief Minister J D Rymbai, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Gegong Apang besides PWD Ministers of the constituents states of the North East.

UNI