Guwahati: Improved connectivity within the North East through tourism, health services, skill development, etc would establish the region as India's new growth engine, stated the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, in a press conference at the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Arunachal Pradesh.

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways and Ayush, urged the people of Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast to join the journey to build a strong and prosperous new India.

The Minister stated that the present government's consistent commitment to the upliftment of the Northeast has resulted in long-term peace and economic recovery in the region. Arunachal Pradesh's position is critical to the Northeast's role as the engine of growth in New India.

The Union Minister, along with authorities and locals from Itanagar, also took part in a Swachata ceremony at RARI.
Speaking about the government's accomplishments, Mr. Sonowal stated, "The mantra given by the Prime Minister of India for the overall and holistic development of India and its citizens is 'Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayash,' which emphasizes the government's top priority in order to further ease the living of every citizen."

The government has launched several welfare initiatives, including Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala plan, Saubhagya scheme, PM Kisan scheme, and PM Bima Fasal Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, Mission Indradhanush, and PM Garib Kalyan. Anna Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, and many more schemes have greatly aided the common citizen.

"In Arunachal Pradesh, more than 2.20 lakh rural families have acquired tap water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission," the Minister continued. The PM Awas Yojana has helped individuals in Arunachal Pradesh earn a place to call home by constructing around 34,500 dwellings. More than 48,000 LPG connections were provided to underprivileged Arunachal Pradesh residents through the Ujjwala scheme. With its social programmes, the government continues to endeavour to make our citizens' lives more pleasant and respectable."

Later, Sonowal also interacted with a number of beneficiaries of the Government’s welfare schemes and exchanged views at Hija & Lempia villages in Ziro valley, Arunachal Pradesh.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the significance of the Northeast as India's new development engine, saying, "Connectivity within the Northeast has grown enormously efficient in the last eight years." The Northeast and its states' targeted strategy to build intrastate and intraregional connectivity have increased connections in logistics and transportation. Schemes like Udan have given wings to the ambitions of the people of the Northeast. The first commercial flights between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, utilizing Made in India Dornier aircraft, are a significant step forward for the area. The flights connect the Dibrugarh-Pasighat and Tezu-Lilabari sectors, as well as major infrastructure projects such as the construction of the long-delayed Bogibeel Bridge and the Dhola Sadiya bridge over the Brahmaputra.

The ongoing construction of the world's tallest Girder rail bridge in the Imphal-Jiribam line; the record length of roads constructed within Arunachal Pradesh and northeast; or the revival of waterway transport to boost the region's economic and business potential are all testaments to the people's long-aspired revolutionary connectivity.

The people of Arunachal Pradesh are pleased with the inclusion of the Naharlagun railway station on the country's railway map by offering direct trains to Delhi. While all of this helps people live more comfortably, it is important to emphasise that it will also assist to harness the vast tourist potential that Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast area hold. The region's abundant flora diversity can also assist unlock the region's enormous potential in the Ayush industry."

After his final briefings at the press conference, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated, "As we continue our path to build a strong, prosperous, and modern India, all efforts are being made to expedite the development of Arunachal Pradesh and North-east India so that it fuels the economic engine." If we continue to collaborate on enhancing connectivity, health services, skill development, and so on, Arunachal Pradesh may realise its genuine potential in tourism.' We must keep moving forward."