Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has said that the Northeast is emerging as the new engine of India’s economic growth, highlighting the region’s rapid transformation through enhanced connectivity, infrastructure development and economic opportunities under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sammelan and an interaction with eminent citizens in Agartala during programmes marking 12 years of the Modi-led government, Sonowal said the past decade had brought significant progress to the Northeast, with Tripura playing an increasingly important role in the region’s growth story.
“The Northeast is now being viewed as the new engine of India’s economic growth. Enhanced connectivity, peace accords, infrastructure investments and people-centric governance have unlocked the immense potential of the region,” Sonowal said.
During his visit, the minister participated in a citizens’ interaction programme, visited an exhibition showcasing the Centre’s initiatives, joined the Pragati Path Yatra, reviewed the ongoing construction of a high-rise government office complex at Gurkhabasti and planted a sapling under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.
Highlighting the government’s development agenda, Sonowal said the last 12 years had been guided by the principles of “Vishwas, Vikas and Jan Kalyan,” with governance becoming more transparent, technology-driven and citizen-centric.
Referring to Tripura’s development trajectory, he noted that improvements in roads, railways, digital connectivity and public infrastructure had strengthened the state’s integration with national and international markets.
“Tripura is scripting a new chapter of growth. What once seemed difficult to achieve is now becoming reality as the state advances on the path of development and prosperity,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the growing global recognition of Tripura’s agricultural products, particularly the state’s renowned Queen pineapple. He said improved connectivity and better market access have enabled farmers from the Northeast to reach international markets, creating new economic opportunities for rural communities.
Sonowal further underscored the government’s efforts to empower women and youth through welfare programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives, skill development schemes and direct benefit transfers.
“Nari Shakti and Yuva Shakti are playing a central role in India’s development journey. Young people today have greater opportunities in innovation, startups and enterprise, while women have become active participants in economic and social transformation,” he said.
Describing the Northeast as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, Sonowal said the region has moved from the margins to the mainstream of national development and is now positioned as a strategic growth hub in the country’s economic future.
