Ashtalakshmi: How India’s North-East is Emerging as the Growth Engine of Viksit Bharat

Why in News?

The remarkable transformation of India’s North-Eastern Region (NER) over the last twelve years has emerged as one of the most significant development stories in contemporary India. Once perceived as a geographically isolated frontier, the region is increasingly being viewed as a strategic growth corridor, a gateway to Southeast Asia, and a key pillar of the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Today, the region is being celebrated as “Ashtalakshmi”—a symbol of prosperity, diversity, and economic potential.

Supported by sustained infrastructure investments, targeted development schemes, improved connectivity, and strategic integration under the Act East Policy, the North-East has witnessed unprecedented progress in transportation, energy, digital connectivity, healthcare, education, and livelihoods.

Why is the North-East Called “Ashtalakshmi”?

The term Ashtalakshmi draws inspiration from the eight manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi, each symbolizing a distinct form of prosperity and well-being.

Similarly, India’s North-East comprises eight unique states:

• Arunachal Pradesh
• Assam
• Manipur
• Meghalaya
• Mizoram
• Nagaland
• Sikkim
• Tripura

Each state possesses distinct cultural traditions, natural resources, agricultural strengths, and strategic advantages. Collectively, these eight states represent an enormous reservoir of economic opportunity, biodiversity, cultural richness, and geopolitical significance.

The government’s adoption of the term “Ashtalakshmi” reflects a broader shift in perception—from viewing the region as a peripheral borderland to recognizing it as a vital contributor to India’s future growth story.

Ashtalakshmi: From Frontier to Gateway- A New Strategic Vision

Historically, the North-East suffered from what policymakers often described as the “tyranny of distance.” Difficult terrain, inadequate infrastructure, insurgency-related challenges, and limited connectivity constrained economic development.

However, this paradigm is changing rapidly.

Under the Act East Policy, the North-East is increasingly positioned as India’s bridge to the rapidly growing economies of Southeast Asia. Instead of being India’s eastern frontier, the region is becoming India’s eastern gateway.

This transformation has both economic and strategic dimensions.

The region shares international borders with:

• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• China
• Myanmar
• Nepal

Its geographical location makes it indispensable for India’s regional connectivity ambitions and Indo-Pacific strategy.

Ashtalakshmi Connectivity Revolution: Bridging Decades of Isolation

The most visible aspect of the North-East’s transformation is the unprecedented expansion of connectivity infrastructure.

Expanding Road Networks

The National Highway network in the region has expanded from approximately 10,905 km in 2014 to over 16,200 km in 2026.

Major initiatives such as:

• Bharatmala Pariyojana
• PM Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
• Special Accelerated Road Development Programmes

have improved connectivity between remote villages, district headquarters, state capitals, and international borders.

Enhanced road infrastructure has reduced travel times, improved market access, strengthened tourism, and facilitated faster movement of goods and services.

Railway Expansion in the Hills

Railway connectivity has witnessed a historic expansion.

Several North-Eastern states that previously lacked broad-gauge rail connectivity are now integrated into the national rail network.

A major milestone has been the near-complete electrification of railway lines:

This transition reduces dependence on diesel traction while improving efficiency and sustainability.

Engineering Marvels Transforming Mobility

Several landmark infrastructure projects have transformed regional accessibility:

Bogibeel Bridge (Assam)

• India’s longest rail-cum-road bridge.
• Connects North and South banks of the Brahmaputra.
• Enhances military logistics near the China border.

Noney Bridge (Manipur)

• Features the world’s tallest railway pier bridge.
• Critical component of railway connectivity to Manipur.

Sela Tunnel (Arunachal Pradesh)

• Provides all-weather access to Tawang.
• Enhances both civilian mobility and strategic preparedness.

These projects symbolize India’s ability to overcome geographical barriers through engineering innovation.

Airways, Waterways and Digital Highways

Aviation Connectivity Under UDAN

Air connectivity has expanded dramatically.

The number of operational airports in the North-East increased from 9 in 2014 to 17 in 2026, driven primarily by the UDAN Scheme.

This expansion has boosted:

• Tourism
• Medical accessibility
• Trade
• Investment flows

Remote regions that once required days of travel can now be accessed within hours.

Revival of Inland Waterways

The Brahmaputra and Barak rivers are emerging as major transportation corridors.

The number of National Waterways in the region increased from just one in 2014 to twenty by 2024.

Benefits include:

• Lower logistics costs
• Cargo transportation
• Cruise tourism
• Sustainable transport solutions

Digital Inclusion

Digital connectivity has become a key driver of social and economic transformation.

More than 6,350 Gram Panchayats have been connected through high-speed internet services, enabling:

• Digital governance
• Telemedicine
• Online education
• E-commerce opportunities

This digital revolution is reducing the urban-rural divide and integrating remote communities into the national economy.

Act East Policy and International Connectivity

The North-East occupies a central place in India’s engagement with Southeast Asia.

India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway

This strategic corridor connects:

Moreh (India) → Myanmar → Thailand

Once operational at full scale, the project will significantly reduce trade barriers and strengthen India’s economic integration with ASEAN economies.

Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project

The project connects:

Kolkata → Sittwe Port → Paletwa → Mizoram

This provides an alternative route to the North-East and reduces dependence on the narrow Siliguri Corridor.

Border Trade and Border Haats

Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) and Border Haats have emerged as important instruments of grassroots diplomacy.

Prominent examples include:

• Moreh (Manipur)
• Kamalasagar (Tripura)
• Bholaganj (Meghalaya)

These initiatives facilitate trade, support local livelihoods, and strengthen people-to-people ties across borders.

Policy Architecture Driving Development

The transformation of the North-East is not accidental; it is supported by a robust policy framework.

PM-DevINE

The Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North-East Region (PM-DevINE) provides 100% central funding for high-impact projects focused on:

• Infrastructure
• Healthcare
• Education
• Livelihood generation

NESIDS

The North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) supports:

• Road connectivity
• Bridges
• Healthcare facilities
• Educational infrastructure
• Water supply projects

The scheme has become a critical instrument for addressing infrastructure deficits in remote regions.

North Eastern Council (NEC)

The NEC continues to promote region-specific development through initiatives in:

• Bamboo economy
• Tourism
• Skill development
• Entrepreneurship

Dedicated Budget Allocation

A unique feature of North-East development is the mandatory requirement that all non-exempted Central Ministries allocate at least 10% of their annual budget for the region.

This has ensured a sustained flow of developmental resources over the years.

Green Growth and Energy Security

The North-East possesses immense renewable energy potential.

Hydropower Expansion

Major projects include:

The Dibang project will become India’s tallest dam and significantly strengthen the country’s clean energy portfolio.

North East Gas Grid

The 1,656-km North East Gas Grid is integrating all eight states into the national gas infrastructure network.

The project includes Asia’s longest underwater hydrocarbon pipeline crossing beneath the Brahmaputra River.

This will support:

• Cleaner energy consumption
• Industrial development
• Urban gas distribution

Human Development and Social Infrastructure

Infrastructure development has been complemented by major improvements in social indicators.

Water and Sanitation

Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, states such as:

• Arunachal Pradesh
• Mizoram

have achieved 100% household tap-water coverage.

All eight states have achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.

Healthcare Expansion

Major achievements include:

• Operationalization of AIIMS Guwahati
• Approval of 12 new medical colleges
• Expansion of district healthcare facilities

Healthcare access in remote regions has improved significantly.

Educational Development

The region has witnessed expansion of:

• IITs
• NITs
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools
• Central Universities

This is helping create a skilled workforce capable of driving future economic growth.

Agriculture, Organic Farming and Rural Prosperity

Agriculture remains a critical pillar of North-East development.

Fisheries Revolution

Fish production has grown by nearly 68% over the past decade.

Assam alone contributes approximately 70% of regional fish production.

Dairy and Livestock Development

The establishment of the North-East’s first Cattle IVF Laboratory in Guwahati is expected to improve livestock productivity and farmer incomes.

Agarwood Economy

The region hosts nearly 90% of India’s agarwood resources.

Tripura alone possesses an estimated market potential of over ₹2,000 crore, making agarwood a significant export opportunity.

Organic Farming Leadership

Through the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), over 2.36 lakh hectares have been integrated into certified organic value chains.

The region is increasingly becoming India’s organic farming hub.

Ashtalakshmi: Building “Brand North East”

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) has launched the Brand North East initiative to create globally competitive value chains.

This strategy aims to shift the regional economy from subsistence production to export-oriented growth.

Ashtalakshmi: Challenges Ahead

Despite impressive progress, several challenges remain:

• Ecological fragility and climate vulnerability
• Need for greater private investment
• Border management concerns
• Skill development gaps
• Sustainable urbanization

Balancing economic growth with environmental conservation will be critical for the region’s long-term prosperity.

Conclusion

The story of Ashtalakshmi is one of transformation, integration, and opportunity. The North-East is no longer viewed through the lens of remoteness and security concerns alone. Massive investments in connectivity, social infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and international trade corridors have repositioned the region as a strategic growth engine of India.

As the Act East Policy gains momentum and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 unfolds, the North-East is emerging as the geopolitical, economic, and cultural bridge connecting India with the wider Indo-Pacific region. Sustained policy support, ecological stewardship, and private-sector participation will determine how fully the immense potential of Ashtalakshmi is realized in the decades ahead.