The government’s attention towards advancing logistics infrastructure in the Northeast region (NER) signifies a notable stride towards unleashing the economic potential of the area and fostering comprehensive growth.
Aiming for India to become “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, the Government of India is placing a high priority on augmenting connectivity, increasing exports, and expanding logistics infrastructure. Significant policies like “PM GatiShakti’s National Master Plan” and the “National Logistics Policy” are being put into action to achieve these objectives with efficacy. Various projects identified under the PM Gati Shakti Yojana strive to establish multi-modal connectivity, thereby enhancing the efficiency of logistics and reducing expenses. The alleviation of congestion in high-traffic routes is also being given precedence, which not only enhances operations but also ensures safety and greater travel speeds for commuters. These endeavors, along with the implementation of dedicated freight corridors, are anticipated to propel India’s GDP growth and notably diminish logistic costs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the importance of connectivity to position the Northeast as the driving force of India’s development. Initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for the North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) underscore this commitment. The Northeast shares borders with China, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Nepal, thus serving as a pivotal gateway for trade and international ties with East and Southeast Asia. Despite its potential, the region has historically grappled with challenges pertaining to connectivity and logistics infrastructure. Nevertheless, endeavors like the Act East Policy and the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) are tackling these issues head-on, thereby unlocking the economic potential of the region.
Measures are being taken to bolster connectivity between the NER and Bangladesh by utilizing ports like Chattogram and Mongla for transit and trans-shipment of goods. Bangladesh’s approval for India to utilize these ports represents a significant development expected to slash transport time and expenses by nearly one-third in comparison to the Siliguri route. Furthermore, the government is enhancing road, rail, and air transportation networks in the NER. The Special Accelerated Road Development Programme (SARDP) aims to enhance over 7,000 kilometers of roads, thereby improving both internal and external connectivity. Expansion of the rail network and enhancement of connectivity with neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Nepal are also being prioritized. Initiatives such as rail infrastructure enhancements, including gauge conversion, introduction of new lines, and the addition of double lines, are being pursued to enhance transport efficiency and facilitate the movement of goods.
Additionally, capitalizing on the region’s abundant inland waterways, such as the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, presents an opportunity for cost-effective transportation of goods. Efforts are underway to leverage national waterway routes to bolster internal connectivity and trade with neighboring countries, thus boosting both internal and cross-border commerce. In essence, these initiatives aim to transform the Northeast into a logistical hub for Southeast Asia, thereby realizing India’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
How should a Viksit Bharat look like in 2047 in different aspects?
In envisioning a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) by 2047, several aspects would likely undergo significant transformation:
- Economic Prosperity: A developed India in 2047 would boast a robust and diversified economy, characterized by sustained growth, innovation, and productivity. Industries such as technology, renewable energy, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing would thrive, contributing to higher standards of living and greater prosperity for all citizens.
- Infrastructure: By 2047, India’s infrastructure would be modernized and expanded to support the needs of its growing population and economy. This would include state-of-the-art transportation networks encompassing high-speed rail, expanded roadways, and efficient air travel. Additionally, there would be advanced urban infrastructure with smart cities equipped with cutting-edge technologies for sustainable living.
- Education and Research: A developed India would prioritize education and research, ensuring access to quality education for all citizens and fostering a culture of innovation and intellectual inquiry. Universities and research institutions would be world-renowned hubs of knowledge creation, driving advancements in science, technology, medicine, and the arts.
- Healthcare: In a developed India, healthcare would be accessible, affordable, and of high quality for all citizens. There would be well-equipped hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country, supported by a robust public health system focused on preventive care, disease management, and health promotion.
- Social Welfare: A Viksit Bharat would prioritize social welfare and inclusivity, with policies aimed at reducing poverty, inequality, and discrimination. There would be comprehensive social safety nets, including universal healthcare coverage, pension schemes, and support for marginalized communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards development.
- Environmental Sustainability: Recognizing the importance of environmental conservation, a developed India in 2047 would be committed to sustainable development practices. This would involve investments in renewable energy, conservation of natural resources, pollution control measures, and efforts to combat climate change, ensuring a clean and healthy environment for future generations.
- Global Leadership: As a developed nation, India would play a prominent role on the global stage, contributing to peace, stability, and cooperation among nations. It would be a leader in addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and pandemics, actively engaging with the international community to build a better world for all.
In essence, a Viksit Bharat in 2047 would be characterized by prosperity, progress, inclusivity, sustainability, and global leadership, reflecting the collective aspirations and endeavors of its people towards building a brighter future for the nation.
When imagining a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) by 2047, security and effective administration will be vital factors in determining the country’s course:
- Transparent and Accountable Governance: A developed India in 2047 would be characterized by transparent and accountable governance mechanisms at all levels of administration. There would be effective checks and balances in place to prevent corruption and ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions. Citizens would have access to information and opportunities for meaningful participation in the decision-making processes of their government.
- Efficient Public Services: Good governance entails the delivery of efficient and accessible public services to all citizens. In a Viksit Bharat, government agencies would be equipped with modern technology and streamlined processes to ensure timely delivery of services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs. Red tape and bureaucratic hurdles would be minimized to enhance the ease of doing business and promote entrepreneurship.
- Rule of Law and Judicial Independence: Upholding the rule of law and ensuring an independent judiciary are essential components of good governance. In 2047, India would have a robust legal framework that safeguards the rights and freedoms of its citizens, provides swift and impartial justice, and promotes the rule of law. Judicial institutions would operate free from political interference, earning the trust and confidence of the populace.
- Effective Security and Defense: Security is paramount for the well-being and prosperity of a nation. A Viksit Bharat would prioritize national security by maintaining strong defense capabilities to safeguard its borders and protect its sovereignty. Investments would be made in modernizing the armed forces, enhancing intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism measures, and fostering international cooperation to address emerging security threats.
- Social Cohesion and Inclusivity: Good governance entails fostering social cohesion and inclusivity by ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, irrespective of their background or identity. In 2047, India would be a harmonious and pluralistic society where diversity is celebrated and all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Policies and programs would be implemented to promote social justice, reduce inequalities, and empower marginalized communities.
- Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response: With the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters and emergencies, a Viksit Bharat would prioritize disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities. There would be comprehensive disaster management plans in place, supported by early warning systems, evacuation procedures, and robust infrastructure to mitigate the impact of disasters and ensure the safety and well-being of citizens.
- Cybersecurity and Digital Governance: In the digital age, ensuring cybersecurity and harnessing the potential of technology for governance are essential aspects of good governance. By 2047, India would have robust cybersecurity measures in place to protect critical infrastructure, safeguard sensitive data, and combat cyber threats. Digital governance platforms would be leveraged to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility of government services, while also addressing concerns related to data privacy and digital rights.
In conclusion, a Viksit Bharat in 2047 would be distinguished by strong security and defense capabilities, social cohesion and inclusion, efficient and responsible governance, and the ability to take on new challenges in the fields of cybersecurity and disaster relief. In order to achieve the goal of an inclusive, safe, and wealthy India in the future, these elements are essential.