Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently stated that the Government is planning to set up a North East Industrial Corridor that will create numerous job opportunities for the people of the region. Singh, on a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh, shared the Arunachal corridor would act as a land bridge between India and South East Asia, that will provide employment opportunities and give a fillip to trade and tourism.
The Union Defence Minister was speaking at the 11th Maitree Diwas celebrations at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. The two-day socio-military cultural extravaganza was jointly organised by the Indian Army, Tawang civil administration and volunteers at the Gyalwa Tsangyang Gyatso High Altitude Stadium, Tawang. Underlining the Centre’s special emphasis on the development of the North East region under the Act East Policy, Singh said, ‘Road to “New India” runs through “New Northeast India”.’
He also added the projects would provide all-weather connectivity to the local population, facilitate the movement of armed forces, and boost tourism. Singh lauded the five-year road plan of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu under which all the existing inter-State and inter-district roads would be upgraded to State highway specifications by 2024.
Singh also shared that his Ministry is planning to set up an Army liaison cell in Itanagar to facilitate cooperation with the Army for operational purposes in Arunachal Pradesh. It will be a single-window entity for all issues. Singh was the chief guest of the Maitree Diwas event, which was jointly inaugurated by Chief Minister Pema Khandu and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan.