Agartala, December 23, 2025: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Monday chaired the third meeting of the High-Level Task Force (HLTF) on Infrastructure, Logistics Cost and Connectivity in the North Eastern Region (NER). Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, and senior officials from Central Ministries and Northeastern states attended the review.

The meeting examined regional challenges in logistics and connectivity and evaluated short, medium, and long-term infrastructure priorities for the region. It also reviewed institutional mechanisms and inter-ministerial coordination required to accelerate implementation.

Presenting a detailed, phase-wise roadmap, the Tripura Chief Minister underscored the need for an integrated regional approach to strengthen multimodal logistics, cross-border trade corridors, digital and power infrastructure, and financial and institutional frameworks. He called for closer cooperation among key Central Ministries, including Road Transport & Highways, Railways, Civil Aviation, Ports and Shipping, Power, IT & Telecom, and Petroleum & Natural Gas. He also flagged the need for quicker resolution of forest and environmental clearance issues.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma stressed that his state could serve as a strategic gateway to neighbouring countries under the Act East Policy. He sought faster progress on major projects such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and highlighted the importance of border trade and logistics support systems.

Union Minister Scindia commended the roadmap presented by the Tripura Chief Minister, describing it as a comprehensive strategy for enhancing connectivity across the NER. He noted that its success would depend on strong collaboration between Central Ministries and state governments. He recommended incorporating feedback from key Line Ministries and NITI Aayog before finalising the Task Force report.

The MDoNER had earlier constituted eight High-Level Task Forces, each led by a Chief Minister from the region, following a consensus reached during the 72nd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) held in Agartala in December 2024.