SHILLONG, OCT 4: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu today stressed the importance of better road connectivity in the North Eastern region to fully tap its tourism potential, ease the transport of goods, improve delivery of services and contribute to the overall development of the region.
In this regard, Naidu called for fast-tracking all the developmental activities in the North Eastern states, utilizing the funds provided by the Centre for various projects with transparency and accountability.
If we can expedite all projects here- without delay or diversion, North Eastern states have the potential to become the growth engines of the country, Naidu emphasized. He stressed that development of the country is incomplete without the development of the North East.
The Vice President was speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of the improvement/widening project of the Shillong-Dawki section of the National Highway 40 in Shillong. Naidu, who is on a tour of the North-East, arrived in Meghalaya today.
Observing that the hilly terrain and the rainy months in the North East often hinder the road construction activities there, Naidu called for an innovation in design and construction of roads for a hilly topography. Technical institutions around the country must take this as an opportunity and bring out better road designs, while cutting down on the implementation period, he suggested.
Staing that the project is a prestigious and important initiative of the Government of India being executed with assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), he said it is expected to provide better connectivity in the region and provide a key link within the North-East Region as well as with our friendly neighbor, Bangladesh.
“This road will also give a fillip to the tourism industry in the state and help in the overall development of Meghalaya,” he said.
The vice president said he is also aware that many other projects such as the 2-laning of Tura-Dalu section, 2-laning of the Ranikor-Maheshkhola-Baghmara section among others are being planned and implemented in the state, in addition to the Shillong Western Bypass which is at the planning stage.
“These are good initiatives that need to be fast-tracked and completed in a mission mode,” he added.
He further said in order to enhance the connectivity in other North-East region States, the government has been implementing various projects under the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North East (SARDP-NE) and the Bharatmala Pariyojana.
“I am told that about 3850 km have been awarded and 2815 km completed under SARDP-NE and under Bharatmala Pariyojana, 2118 km have been awarded and 514 km have been completed so far. I compliment the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for their determined efforts to connect the North-East region,” he said.
Referring to the complexities of road connectivity in the North-Eastern region, Naidu also highlighted the importance of improving connectivity through air travel.
Noting a marked improvement in air connectivity for the region under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, he called for more direct flights from and to the North East with the rest of the country.
Naidu also underlined the significance of the improvement/widening of NH-40 to the tourism industry in the state.
Describing Meghalaya as a beautiful state with enormous tourism potential, Naidu called for more concerted efforts from the Central and State governments to promote tourism and improve infrastructure for the tourists.
At the same time, he cautioned that while promoting tourism, care must be taken to ensure that the pristine ecological system is not disturbed in any manner.
Referring to the importance of agro-entrepreneurship for states like Meghalaya, the Vice President noted that there was a large area under horticulture in the state and added that that there are immense opportunities for budding entrepreneurs to add value to the supply chain.
In this regard, he appreciated the efforts of the Meghalaya government in starting the PRIME Hub initiative to encourage entrepreneurship among the youth and to equip them with skill-based learning.
Giving the instance of reputed products such as Lakadong turmeric and ginger powder from the state, Naidu emphasized that there is a great opportunity to market and showcase our indigenous horticultural varieties to the world. He called upon the youth to innovate as agro-entrepreneurs and improve upon productivity, packaging, and handhold small farmers to ensure that their products get the right price in the marketplace.
The Vice President congratulated Rebecca Vanessa Suchiang, who was present during the event, for becoming the first indigenous woman Chief Secretary of Meghalaya.
He added that her achievement will be an inspiration for the youth of Meghalaya to take up government service as a career choice.
Satya Pal Malik, Governor Of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister Of Meghalaya, P Tynsong, Deputy Chief Minister Of Meghalaya, Rebecca Vanessa Suchiang, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Meghalaya and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari also participated through a recorded video message.
By Our Reporter
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